The National Sports Commission (NSC) has constituted a 15-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the third combined African U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships, which will hold from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  The LOC comprises distinguished professionals with proven expertise in sports administration and corporate affairs. The NSC said, yesterday, that their appointment underscores the Commission’s commitment to delivering a world-class championship that meets global standards.

  The African U-18/U-20 Athletics Championship is a premier continental event that brings together over 500 junior athletes from across Africa. With participation expected from 53 countries, the championship is a major event in the African athletics calendar.

  The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, will serve as chairman of the LOC, while the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, is Vice Chairman.

  A statement by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant (Media) to the NSC Director General, listed other members of the LOC including Mr. Osaze Ubueze from Corporate Nigeria, former athletes and members of the outgoing AFN board, Ms Rosa Collins and Gadzama Tafiga, Mrs. Maria Wophil, Ms Chichi Nwoko, Olympic gold medallist, Enefiok Udo-Ubong, Gowon Akpodonor, a journalist and Mallam Ladan Mustapha.

   Other members of the LOC are Mrs. Arabinrin Aderonke, Musa Amadu, Jude Anyadufu, Babatunde Adeluola, and Shagaya Abdulmumeen, who will serve as the secretary.

  According to Olopade, hosting the third edition of this biennial championship reflects the new direction of sports under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is positioning Nigeria as a destination for international sporting events.

  “This speaks to the sports economy; this speaks to hospitality; this speaks to wealth creation and this speaks to infrastructure development,” Olopade stated.

  He further attributed the successful bid to host the championship to the availability of world-class sports infrastructure in Ogun State. The state’s MKO Abiola International Stadium, upgraded for the fast-approaching 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games, was a key factor in securing the hosting rights.

  “The Sports facilities in Abeokuta are world-class and hosting the U18/U20 African Championship is one of the benefits of hosting the National Sports Festival and I must thank the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for his Sporting Vision,” Olopade added.