CAA applauds Nigerian Government’s timely bailout for African U18 and U20 Championships
In a decisive show of leadership and continental solidarity, Nigeria has stepped up to host the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following the unexpected withdrawal of Algeria.
The move, hailed as a ‘bailout’ by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), underscores Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and a dependable force in regional sports development.
Speaking at the CAA Council meeting in Abeokuta, CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for swiftly authorizing the hosting of the championships.
‘We turned to Nigeria because we knew they had the capacity, the infrastructure, and the will to rescue this event,’ Malboum stated.
The withdrawal of Algeria, due to circumstances beyond the federation’s control, had threatened to derail the biennial youth competition. But Nigeria’s intervention—anchored by the National Sports Commission, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, and the Ogun State Government—ensured the event would proceed as scheduled from July 16 to 20, 2025.
Malboum also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for making world-class facilities available to young athletes across Africa, and acknowledged the efforts of Shehu Dikko, Bukola Olopade, and Tonobok Okowa for their organizational commitment.
‘This is more than a championship,’ Malboum added. ‘It’s a statement that Africa can rely on its own. Nigeria’s hosting capacity has given our athletes a platform to shine and our federations a reason to believe.’
The CAA emphasized its commitment to consistently staging junior championships to curb the migration of African talent to developed nations. With over 50 countries expected to participate, Abeokuta is now poised to become the heartbeat of African youth athletics.
