Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olapade, has expressed high hopes and growing excitement ahead of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 Junior Africa Athletics Championship, set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking at a world press conference on Tuesday, Olapade emphasized that the championship is more than just a continental sporting event—it’s a golden opportunity to unearth the next generation of African athletics stars. He reiterated that the championship’s core objective is talent discovery and development.

“The goal is simple but crucial: to discover young talents who can grow into world-beaters. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and its technical team have a clear mandate—to produce athletes capable of excelling at the Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics,” Olapade stated.

While preparations are in top gear, Olapade disclosed that the organizing committee is still awaiting official entries from some key athletics nations, including Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, and even host nation Nigeria. He admitted surprise at the delay but remained confident that these powerhouse countries will confirm their participation soon.

“We’re expecting about 50 countries and roughly 900 athletes and officials. We know Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria will come strong once their entries are confirmed, and they will significantly boost our participation figures,” he said.

The Abeokuta championship is expected to be a vibrant festival of youth athletics, drawing attention from scouts, coaches, and fans across the continent. Organizers are putting final touches in place to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Olapade also noted that beyond talent development, the championship presents a unique opportunity to showcase Abeokuta and Nigeria’s capacity to host major international sporting events.

“This championship is not just about medals—it’s about potential. It’s about giving young athletes a stage to dream big, and we’re proud to host this important event here in Abeokuta.”

As the countdown to the CAA U-18 Junior Africa Athletics Championship begins, the air of anticipation is palpable. With a rich field of emerging stars expected to compete, the event is poised to deliver world-class performances and perhaps unveil Africa’s next global sprint sensation or long-distance icon.