The National Sports Commission has constituted a 15-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from July 16 to 20, 2025.
The LOC is comprised of distinguished professionals with expertise in sports administration and corporate affairs.
The Committee has Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, members, Osaze Ubueze (Corporate Nigeria), Shagaya Abdulmumeen (Secretary), Ms Rosa Collins, Gadzama Tafiga, Maria Wophil, Chichi Nwoko, Nnefiok Udo-Ubong, Gowon Apondona, Ladan Mustapha, Arabinrin Aderonke, Musa Amadu, Jude Anyadufu, Babatunde Adeluola.
The African U18/U20 Athletics Championship is a premier continental event that brings together over 500 junior athletes from across Africa, with participation expected from 53 countries.
According to Olopade, hosting the championship reflects the new direction of sports under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, positioning Nigeria as a destination for international sporting.
“This speaks to the sports economy, this speaks to hospitality, this speaks to wealth creation and this speaks to infrastructure development,” Olopade said.
He attributed the successful bid to host the championship to Ogun State’s world-class sports infrastructure, thanking Governor Dapo Abiodun for his sporting vision ¹.
“The Sports facilities in Abeokuta are world class and hosting the U18/U20 African Championship is one of the benefits of hosting the National Sports Festival,” Olopade added.
However, it seems there’s conflicting information regarding the host country, as Madagascar was previously confirmed to host the event. Further clarification may be necessary to confirm Nigeria’s role in the championships.
