Nigeria clenches the second position of the overall results declared in the just concluded Third African Athletic Championship (CAA U18 and U20) which took place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The championship exhibited and showcased the best of talents that were discovered for nurturing, it strengthens more the African bond and builds common bridges across diplomatic relations.
The Nigerian young athletes – both boys and girls – maintain an upward trajectory with great victory which represent the nation’s future hope, aspiration and success in bigger competitions.
Nigeria successfully stacks up 16 medals on the table with 5 gold, 8silver, and 3 bronze. Their actions in the last six days was quite extraordinary and commendable.
The leadership of the Conference of African Athletes has sincerely expressed its appreciation to Nigeria for stepping up timely action within two months to host this championship with amazing preparedness.
On the part of the National Sports Commission leadership, Mallam Shehu Dikko the National Chairman and the Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade heartily commended Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Government for the support given during the two competitions, the warm hospitality of the people and the befitting sporting facilities put in place for young athletes to compete.
According to Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, he said:
“The competition is quite amazing, we came here with the target of medals and now we have seen where we are. We have seen the boys and the girls that we will train, groom and nurture further for the next Olympics and the Commonwealth games.
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continuous support of the NSC .We will go back to focus on our domestic sports to bring most talents from schools, to support domestic leagues and organizations to thrive”, he stated.
With the dynamic performances of the Nigerian young athletes, Dikko hinted that the future of the athletes “is assured.”
Delivering his closing remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission Hon. Bukola Olopade said ” another history is made here today.”
While commending the exemplary spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated by all in the atmosphere of conviviality, Olopade said the Nigerian athletes have made us proud and made a distinctive mark.
“We celebrated great achievers, our hope for the future is rekindled and assured. We have discovered notable talents that we will nurture and pay close attention to their development, hence our sustainable investment in grassrootsports to bring out the best for this country in the nearest future”, he stressed.
The DG who was elated with the energetic actions, passions and dynamism of the home athletes on the tracks, he further emphasized that,
“The National Sports Commission has put in place a dynamic and sustainable reforms that will support the development of athletics to an enviable height in this country.”
He thanked the coaches for their unrelenting efforts, the African Federation of Athletes (AFN) and the athletes for their excellent performance.
For the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroot sports to the President, Mr. Adegboyega Anthony,
“There is hope for Nigeria in the future and Mr. President’s passion for sports is manifestly yielding result”, he noted.
According to the new helmsman of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), His Excellency Philip Shuaibu said Nigeria is pleased and feel proud with her athletes.
“The National Institute of Sports will support NSC with its renewed vision to fully develop young athletes to represent the country at continental and international competitions”, he said.
The track event brought fulfilment and excitement as Nigerians showed their resilience and gusto to win with best of strength displayed.
Signed
Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi,
FCAI, ANIPR,
Director (Information and PR)
July 21,2025
