With the countdown officially on, Team Nigeria has announced a 96-athlete contingent set to compete at the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, taking place from July 16–20 at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a show of depth and preparation, the squad comprises 48 male and 48 female athletes across both the U18 and U20 categories, reflecting Nigeria’s strategic intent to dominate on home soil.
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The U20 men’s team leads numerically with 30 athletes, followed by the U20 women and U18 boys (24 each), while the U18 girls’ team will feature 18 rising stars.
The announcement underscores Nigeria’s readiness not only to host but also to set the competitive tone at the continental event, which is expected to welcome athletes from over 40 countries.
A major highlight of the squad is the women’s U20 sprint relay team of Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu, Anita Itohan, and Chika Bakwunye, who recently sharpened their coordination at the AFN/Dynamic Athletics Meet—part of final build-up activities designed to fine-tune baton exchanges and team chemistry.
Beyond the athletes, a robust 38-member support team has been assembled, comprising 22 coaches, 8 medical professionals, and a diverse backroom unit that includes a psychologist, physiotherapists, media personnel, and logistics experts—all working to ensure optimal performance conditions for the athletes.
Officials confirmed that all selected athletes have passed through a rigorous selection process, including multiple training camps and performance evaluations, as Nigeria aims to reinforce its dominance at the youth and junior levels of African athletics.
With the spotlight firmly on Abeokuta, the host nation is not only preparing for medals but also for legacy—hoping to inspire the next generation of track and field stars while delivering a world-class event.
As the championship draws closer, expectations are high and pressure is mounting—but Team Nigeria appears ready for the challenge.
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