Sports
10 Days Left: One Stadium, One Continent: Abeokuta Set to Host African U18/U20 Tourney
Joel Ajayi
10 days left, and all eyes are on Abeokuta, Ogun State, as the city braces to host the continent’s most promising young athletes at the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships.
From July 16 to 20, the historic MKO Abiola Stadium will serve as the single venue for all events — a unified arena where talent, ambition, and national pride will collide in a celebration of African excellence.
This edition is already breaking records before the first race begins. Thus far, a total of 43 countries have confirmed participation, with 937 athletes and officials set to compete.
The figure marks one of the highest turnout in the competition’s history and reflects the growing significance of youth athletics as a cornerstone for long-term sports development across the continent.
In preparation for the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, the MKO Abiola Stadium had undergone significant renovations, including track resurfacing, improved facilities for athletes and media, and infrastructure upgrades to meet global standards.
The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) endorsed the venue following thorough inspections, applauding the commitment shown by State and national authoritie.
In line with the vision of the National Sports Commission (NSC) sponsors and partner have remained key in the planning of the Championship. They include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), and LEDCO Limited.
The NSC is reinforcing its belief that sport is a powerful tool for youth engagement, national branding, and socioeconomic development.
Final preparations are underway, with hotels across Abeokuta filling up and local volunteers, security teams, and medical personnel on standby to support smooth operations throughout the event. Organizers have assured the public and participating nations that Abeokuta is fully ready to deliver a successful, secure, and inspiring championship.
With the countdown nearing single digits, excitement is building across the continent. One stadium, one city, and one shared dream — the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships promise to be a landmark event in the future of African sport.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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