CAF Okays MKO Abiola Sports Arena Abeokuta for 3rd African U18/U20 Championships
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Barely two months after Ogun state successfully hosted over 15,000 athletes and officials for the 22nd National Sports Festival, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, is getting prepared to welcome the continent’s finest young athletes for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20, 2025.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that organizers of the sporting event are working round the clock to ensure a world-class experience for all participants. From logistics and transportation to accommodation, feeding, competition services, and liaison support, every aspect is being meticulously fine-tuned to deliver a memorable championship.
The development follows an approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
To Ogun State Government, the development signifies that the investment in sports infrastructure by the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration is yielding desirable deliverables as the Confederation of African Football has expressed satisfaction with the MKO Abiola Sports Arena to host the forthcoming U-17 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Nations Cup.
The CAF delegation led by the Executive Director of WAFU, Mr. Philip Chare, alongside the Chairman of the Ogun State Football Association and NFF Board Member, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi praised the 25,000‑seat stadium for its modern locker rooms, press and medical areas, security provisions, broadcast readiness, and flawless floodlighting, demonstrating its readiness for continental competition.
Speaking shortly after he inspection, the Ogun state commissioner for sports development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka described the approval as “a proud moment” for Ogun state and a testament to sustained commitment to elite infrastructure development.
He added that hosting countries from across Africa would not only elevate the state’s profile but also energise local businesses and fans.
“It shows that the investment of Ogun state government in sports development is yielding results. After the National Sports Festival, we have held International friendly here, in the next two weeks, we are going to hold the 3rd combined U18/U20 African Athletics Championships and of course the WAFU 17 is coming later in the year, it shows the mission and objectives of our investment has been achieved.
“But this achievement is not for Ogun State only but the nation at large. It has put Nigeria on the world map once again. This approval shows the growth of sports infrastructure in the country and has made Nigeria a serious nation in sports infrastructure.”
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