Ethiopian athletics team departs for Nigeria to compete in African U18/U20 Championships

Addis Ababa, July 14, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s national athletics delegation has departed Addis Ababa for Nigeria to take part in the 3rd Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Combined Championships, scheduled to be held from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Abeokuta.

The championships, relocated to the upgraded MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, will bring together athletes from 43 African countries, with over 900 participants expected. Ethiopia is fielding a 69-member delegation, including 30 male and 27 female athletes, supported by 12 officials.

Senior officials from the Ethiopian Athletics Federation were present at Bole International Airport to see off the team. A second group of Ethiopian youth athletes is scheduled to depart later tonight to join the main squad.

Other major contingents participating in the event include Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Algeria. The competition follows the successful hosting of the Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta, which boosted the city’s capacity and reputation for organizing large-scale athletic events.

The CAA U18/U20 Championships serve as a key platform for emerging African talents to gain continental exposure, and Ethiopia aims to uphold its strong tradition in middle- and long-distance events across both age categories.