Gateway Games: Abeokuta facility will host Junior Africa Athletics Championship, says impress AFN Boss, 

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has commended the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspection team for their professional conduct during a recent facility inspection in preparation for the Africa U-18/U-20 Athletics Championship.

The four-man CAA delegation, led by Director General Lamine Faty from Senegal, was in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to assess facilities and accommodations for the championship scheduled to hold from July 16–20, 2025.

Other members of the delegation included CAA Technical and Development Director Aziz Daouda, Lombard Melinda Amana, and Maraire Munyaradzi Nkosasa Wilbert.

Chief Okowa expressed his admiration for the team’s attention to detail and their thoroughness during the two-day exercise, which began Friday with an inspection of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, and continued Saturday with hotel visits.

“I’m really impressed with the way they handled their assignment—very thorough and diligent, with an eye for detail and a human touch. The hotels they selected are among the best Abeokuta has to offer,” Okowa said.

The inspection covered top hospitality facilities including the 153-room Green Legacy Resort and the 173-room Park Inn. In total, over 800 hotel rooms have been earmarked for athletes, officials, journalists, and World Athletics guests.

Okowa also appealed to the CAA to align with the Nigerian practice of single-room occupancy for athletes and officials to ensure comfort and convenience during the championship.

Representing the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) during the inspection was Shagaya Abdulmumeen, Secretary of the LOC.

In response, CAA Director General Lamine Faty praised the hospitality and organization of the Nigerian hosts.

“First of all, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our Nigerian hosts. They were truly excellent, and we had a very comfortable stay with the best conditions to carry out our work,” he stated.

Faty affirmed that Abeokuta is on track and fully ready to host the continent in July.

The Africa U-18/20 Athletics Championship is expected to attract top young talent from across the continent, with Nigeria positioning itself as a capable and welcoming host.

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