BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, will take centre stage as it hosts the 3rd edition of the African U18/U20 Athletics Championship from July 16 to 20, 2025.
The event, scheduled to take place at the iconic MKO Abiola International Stadium, promises five thrilling days of world-class youth athletics action.
Organized by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) in partnership with the National Sports Commission, Ogun State Government, and corporate sponsors such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), and LEDCO Limited, the championship will bring together some of the continent’s most promising young talents.
A Packed Athletics Schedule
The competition opens on Wednesday, July 16, with an afternoon session featuring U18 athletes.
Fans will be treated to a variety of events, including the 100m heats, 1500m final, high jump final, triple jump final, and distance races such as the 3,000m and 10,000m across categories.
Day 2 (Thursday, July 17)Â will deliver a full slate of competition with 110m hurdles heats, long jump qualifications, and the highly anticipated 400m finals for both U18 and U20 categories.
The day will also feature the 100m semi-finals and finals for all age groups, along with the U20 1500m finals and women’s discus final.
Friday’s (Day 3) action starts with the 400m finals for U18 boys and girls, while the field events will include pole vault and hammer throw contests.
The afternoon session heats up with the U18 100m hurdles final, U20 men’s 400m final, high jump, javelin throw, and 4x100m relay heats for the U20 men.
Saturday (Day 4) opens with 200m and 800m heats across both age categories. The afternoon brings the 200m semi-finals, the 5,000m final, and the finals of the 4x100m relays — often one of the most anticipated events of any championship.
The curtain will fall on Sunday, July 20, with a grand finale that includes field events like discus, javelin, and long jump.
The spotlight will then shift to the final sprints and relays — 200m finals for men and women, 800m finals, the U20 men’s long jump final, and the 4x400m relays. The championship will close with a medal ceremony and official closing rites.
Showcasing Africa’s Future Stars
This championship not only provides a competitive platform for Africa’s rising track and field stars but also serves as a vital talent pipeline for future continental and global athletics stages.
With hundreds of athletes from across Africa expected to participate, Abeokuta will become a vibrant hub of youthful athletic excellence and continental camaraderie.
As the spotlight turns to Ogun State, all eyes will be on the MKO Abiola Stadium, where the future of African athletics will be on full display.
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