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
LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Salifu Usman Receives SWAN Fellowship In Recognition Of Sports Development Efforts
Salifu Abubakar Usman, Group Sports Editor of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, has been honoured with the Fellow of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award, in recognition of his exceptional support for the association, professional journalism, and his significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The esteemed accolade was presented during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, held in Abuja, marking 60 years of excellence in sports journalism across the nation.
Upon receiving the award, Salifu expressed profound gratitude, describing the honour as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to further his lifelong dedication to sports reporting, promotion, and growth.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration for me and my family, and I believe it will encourage me further in sports reporting and sports development in Nigeria,” he stated.
Salifu highlighted that this recognition serves as a morale boost following decades of hard work and impactful contributions within Nigeria’s sports community and beyond.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration attracted prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to celebrate individuals and organisations whose efforts have significantly advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
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