The ancient city of Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, is beating with the pulse of the continent’s finest young talents as it plays host to the African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships. The five-day event, which kicked off on Wednesday, has turned the rock city into a vibrant theatre of speed, strength, and sporting spectacle.

With over 700 athletes from across Africa converging, the championship offers more than just medals—it promises to be a cradle of future Olympic stars and a springboard to global glory.

The opening day thundered to life with an electric mix of finals and qualifying heats. Spectators were treated to the U18 men’s high jump and U18 women’s triple jump finals, while athletes battled through the 100m heats across all U18 and U20 categories, male and female. The evening climaxed with the U20 women’s 3000 metres and the U20 men’s 10,000 metres finals.

On Day Two (July 17), the action intensified with early morning decathlon and sprint hurdle events in the men’s U20 category. The 100m semifinals in all four divisions—U18 and U20, male and female—kept the crowd on edge.

The afternoon session delivered thrilling finals in the U18 women’s discus, U20 men’s shot put, U20 women’s 1500m, as well as high jump, steeplechase, and the much-awaited 100m dash. The U20 mixed 4x400m relay ended the day on a high note.

Day Three (July 18) brought more hardware opportunities, with the U18 men’s hammer throw and the 400m finals for both U18 boys and girls lighting up the morning. Decathlon and heptathlon events continued to unfold.

Later in the day, fans cheered through the U18 women’s long jump, triple jump, 100m hurdles finals, and 200m sprint semifinals—each race a testament to the grit and flair of Africa’s youth.

On Day Four (July 19), endurance took the spotlight as the 10,000m race walk finals for U18 and U20 men opened the day. Afternoon action featured finals in the 400m hurdles, pole vault, steeplechase, shot put, and 200m sprint. As twilight fell, thrilling relays took centre stage with the U20 medley and 4x100m finals.

The Final Day (July 20) promises a rousing finish. Morning events include the 10,000m and 5,000m walks for U20 and U18 women, alongside decisive heptathlon and octathlon contests. The evening’s grand finale will feature finals in the 200m, 800m, long jump, javelin, discus, hammer throw, and the 4x400m relays.

Altogether, over 100 events will unfold during the championship, cementing its place as a crucial platform for Africa’s emerging track and field stars. Beyond the medals, the event is a launchpad toward the World Junior Championships and Olympic dreams.

Organizers say the timetable may be adjusted to accommodate athlete numbers and local conditions, but the mission remains unchanged: to celebrate the best of African youth athletics in the heart of Ogun State.