With just seven days to the start of the highly anticipated CAA African U18/U20 African Athletics Championships, the atmosphere around major Nigerian airports is buzzing with activity.
In a statement signed and made available to the media by the S.A, Media to the Director general of the National sports commission, Kola Daniel, he noted that Top African athletics powerhouses South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda have confirmed their travel dates and final team rosters, adding to the excitement building ahead of the event.
According to Daniel, South Africa is expected to land with one of the largest contingents, comprising 42 male athletes, 40 female athletes, and 18 officials, bringing their total delegation to 100. Kenya, another athletics giant, will be represented by 25 male athletes, 25 female athletes, and 17 officials, making a 67-person delegation.
While Ethiopia is also bringing a strong team of 30 male athletes, 27 female athletes, and 12 officials, totaling 69. Uganda, known for its rising athletics profile, will participate with 9 male athletes, 13 female athletes, and 6 officials, for a total of 28.
All is set for a colorful opening ceremony and a week of elite performances from Africa’s next generation of track and field stars as the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta will welcome over 900 athletes and officials from no less than 40 countries, making the championship one of the biggest continental youth athletics gatherings in recent history.