Team Nigeria has released a squad of 96 athletes for the third African U18-U20 Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place from July 16–20 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Afrosport reports.
The Nigerian contingent will be represented across both age categories, with 18 athletes competing in the U18 girls’ division and 24 athletes participating in the U20 women’s category. The U20 men’s team will feature 30 athletes, the largest group, while 24 boys will represent Nigeria in the U18 division.
A robust technical and backroom team will accompany the squad. This includes 22 coaches, eight medical staff, and eight other essential personnel, such as a team psychologist, physiotherapists, a team secretary, media representatives, and logistics coordinators.
In preparation for the championship, Nigeria’s sprint relay team comprising Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu, Anita Itohan, and Chika Bakwunye, will carry the momentum from their recent outing at the AFN/Dynamic Athletics Meet, where they fine-tuned their baton exchanges and overall coordination.
Officials have confirmed that all selected athletes have undergone intense training camps and performance evaluations, with the clear objective of sustaining Nigeria’s dominance on the African athletics scene.
More than 40 countries, including defending champions, South Africa will converge on Abeokuta for the five-day event being organised by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).
