As the countdown begins to the 2025 CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has called up 90 young athletes to camp ahead of the big event.

The championships, set for July 16–20 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, will see athletes from across the continent compete for glory, but Nigeria clearly has its eyes on the top of the medal table.

To get ready, the selected athletes will undergo a three-week training camp where coaches will put them through their paces—fine-tuning performance, boosting fitness, and sharpening skills.

AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon said the focus will be on events where Nigeria has strong medal chances. “We’ll be focusing on areas we can do well,” he said. “Some of these athletes participated at the just concluded National Sports Festival, so we expe that they will still be in top shape.”

This will be the AFN’s first major event under its newly elected leadership, and Okon, who now represents the South-South zone on the board, says they’re determined to kick things off on a high note.

But Nigeria isn’t the only country gearing up. Kenya has also named a 45-athlete squad following a two-day trial. According to Joseph Ilovi of Athletics Kenya’s Youth Committee, their team will head into camp from June 30 to July 13 before flying into Nigeria the day before the competition starts.

Ilovi also explained that while U20 athletes must meet CAA’s qualifying marks, the U18 category is open.

This edition of the African U18/U20 Championships was originally meant to be held in Oran, Algeria, but the Confederation of African Athletics shifted it to Nigeria, citing “various reasons.”

Now, Abeokuta will play host to more than 800 athletes from over 50 African countries in what’s expected to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent.