The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled its official team for the third CAA U18/U20 Championships, which kicks off Wednesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The team was announced on Tuesday by AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa and Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
Out of the 92 athletes named, 51 are male while 41 are female. The team moved into the championship village on Monday after two weeks of intensive camping following the national trials in Shagamu, Ogun State, under the close supervision of the AFN Technical Committee led by Okon.
Okon said the selection was based on a critical evaluation of the athletes’ technical and tactical strengths, with emphasis on events where Nigeria holds competitive advantage.
“I’m confident that this team will go places. They are the future of Nigerian athletics—young, eager to learn, and the spirit in camp is sky-high,” said Okon, a former sprinter.
Meanwhile, Chief Okowa has charged Team Nigeria to compete with zeal and determination, while underscoring that the goal is not just about winning at all costs.
“It’s not about winning at all costs, but they should run, jump, and throw with the determination to succeed. We are fully committed to this project of laying a solid foundation,” Okowa said.
“We went to Ndola, Zambia, two years ago with 41 athletes and still made the podium. This time, with 92 athletes, we want to run for the top honour,” added Okowa, who also serves as a Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics.