Sports
Pomp, Pageantry, and Performance: CAA U18/U20 Championships Ends on a High in Abeokuta
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The 3rd CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships came to a thunderous close in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, July 20, with a colorful display of African music, culture, and sportsmanship.
Top Nigerian music stars KCee and 9ice were the cynosure of all eyes as they electrified the packed MKO Abiola Stadium with energetic Afrobeat performances that left the crowd roaring in delight.
Their manic artistry, backed by lyrical flair and thumping beats, brought a thrilling close to a championship that has lived up to every expectation.
On the track, it was a final day of drama and dazzling competition. Team Nigeria, buoyed by home support, jostled for final medals in a bid to top the table. Despite spirited effort, South Africa emerged overall winners winning more medals to sit atop the standings.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the tournament as “a masterpiece that showcased Africa’s finest talents and the power of sports to unite.”
“This championship was more than a sporting event; it was a celebration of Africa’s youth, energy, and future. From the competition to the culture, it was a masterpiece in every sense. We thank the CAA, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ogun State Government, and all the LOC led by Hon. Bukola Olopade who made this vision a reality,” Dikko said.
Furthermore, Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed the organizational success, support of the NSC chairman and the hospitality of Abeokuta.
“We’ve not only proven our capacity to host world-class sporting events but have also set a new standard for youth championships across the continent. The energy, the culture, the unity — this is what Africa stands for. Our gratitude goes to the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, as well as the Governor Dapo Abiodun for their immense support,” he stated.
In the high point of the closing day, Team Nigeria extended its stronghold in the relays by clinching the gold medal in the women’s U20 4x400m event.
The formidable quartet of Odot Udoh, Toheebat Jimoh, Anita Enaruna, and Favour Onyah delivered a commanding performance, smoothly passing the baton and leaving South Africa and Zimbabwe in their wake.
With over 35 countries participating and thousands of fans in attendance, the Abeokuta 2025 CAA Championships will be remembered as a benchmark for future continental youth competitions with its blend of athletic excellence and African pride.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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