Exactly three weeks today before Africa’s brightest young athletes converge in Nigeria, preparations are in top gear for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to hold from July 16–20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
As excitement builds, key players in the corporate sector including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI) and LEDCO limited have partnered with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to support the successful hosting of the championship.
These collaborations reflect growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s growing sports economy.
The championship aligns directly with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Initiative for the Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) – a bold agenda aimed at repositioning sports as a major contributor to national GDP, job creation, youth development, and global competitiveness.
Through RHINSE, the Federal Government is opening the sports sector for investment and innovation, actively promoting public-private partnerships to unlock untapped economic potential.
“This is not just a competition; it’s a strategic platform,” NSC Director General and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Hon. Bukola Olopade remarked. “Under RHINSE, we are building a future where sports drive growth, create jobs, and attract global attention.”
Over 50 African countries are expected to participate in the five-day tournament, with contingents arriving as early as July 12.
The 2025 African U18/U20 Athletics Championships will serve not only as a display of athletic prowess but also as a celebration of youth development, strategic leadership, and Nigeria’s growing stature as a hub for international sporting events.
