Nigeria aiming to host Confederation of African Athletics Zone 11 U-18, U-20 Championships

After staging a successful Confederation of African Athletics Zone II Senior Championship in Accra, the Ghanaian capital in May this year, the regional body has begun planning for the 2025 edition.

Newstap.co.ng understand that CAA Zone II executive are hoping to stage two Youth Championships simultaneously; the U-18 and U-20 event ahead of the Continental Youth Championship in Madagascar next year.

The President of the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II, Chief Tonobok Okowa said that the Zone is looking at the age group competition because it will help all the countries in the West African sub- region to prepare effectively for the African Youth Championship.

“The bidding process and time has not yet been set, we are still consulting but a number of countries are showing interest in hosting the competition next year and when the time and decision is made, you will be informed,” Okowa said.

Over 400 athIetes and officials from 10 countries attended the last edition of the CAA Zone II Senior Championship that had the seal of approval of World Athletics (WA), as one of the Olympic Games Qualifying Championship in Accra.

“We are forward looking and you know that the region is blessed with talented young athletes that needs competitions like this. Staging a youth Championship will enhance their growth,” Okowa, who is also the Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics explained.

There are strong indications that Nigeria will be seeking to host the sub- regional competition and a number of potential host cities in the country have been identified.

They include MKO Abiola stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta in Ogun State that is under going renovation for the 22nd National Sports Festival. They are laying a brand new ultra morden tartan track at the stadium and it will come in handy for a high profile competition like the CAA Zone II U-18 and U-20 Championships.

The Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, Delta State is another venue that is been considered as host city. Asaba with its rich sporting pedigree and heritage is likely to get the nod ahead of other cities eyeing the right.

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory is another possible location for the regional Championships. It’s central location, better and easier accessibility is a factor in it’s choice.

It was also reliably gathered that other States of the Federation with suitable venues will be in the running too.

Besides, looking for suitable venue, the issue of potential sponsors is also on the front burner by the Confederation of African Athletics Zone II executive members.

Since the new executives of CAA Zone II came into office, the otherwise moribund regional Championships has been rejuvenated and has been staged in Lome, Togo and Accra in Ghana.

Nigeria won the last championship in Accra, Ghana.