CAA: Olopade urges AFN to produce world beaters in Abeokuta

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has called on the leadership of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), to use the opportunity of Nigeria hosting of the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 to produce new talents that will take over from established athletes and flag Nigeria’s flag in international competitions in the nearest future.

Sporting Tribune reports that the CAA will hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, from Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th July, 2025.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Olopade, who is also the chairman of the local organising committee (LOC) said Nigerians are looking forward to see the emergence of new kids on the block who will represent Nigeria at All African Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympics and other international meets.

Olopade said as an advocate of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), it gives him great joy that the young athletes will show the world the stuff they are made off and be good ambassadors of the country anywhere in the world.

He said, “I’ve always said that we can’t operate do or die system for age group. It’s developmental. I have ambition and I hope the AFN has too. Your mandate is very simple. Produce new people that can beat the established athletes. That’s what I want to see and I’m sure that is what the whole country want to see.

“Where new talents are discovered from this Game and they become world beaters. For one who is an advocate of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), you’ll know that this is a thing of delight for me. The mandate is very simple. Let AFN go and churn out new talents that become world beaters in readiness for the Commonwealth Games.”

The DG however assured that preparations are in full swing, covering accommodation, transportation, feeding, technical support, and media logistics.

“We are on course to deliver a world-class event that reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as Africa’s sports powerhouse,” he added.

According to him, at least 900 athletes and officials from 50 African countries are expected to compete during the five-day event in Abeokuta.

“We are projecting around 900 sportsmen and women to compete in the games, especially considering the expected entries from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.

“The current count stands at 583 athletes from 34 countries, with additional entries anticipated from Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Until we receive their entries, I cannot provide the final number of participants.”