NSC Expresses Financial Readiness to Host African Junior Championship in Abeokuta

Abuja, Nigeria — 26th June, 2025

Following the widely acclaimed OgunGateway 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta—hailed as the best in Nigeria’s history—the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced its financial and logistical readiness to host another landmark event: the Conference of African Athletes (CAA) U20/U18 African Junior Championship, scheduled for July 16–20, 2025, in Abeokuta.

Speaking at a World Press Conference held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Media Center in Abuja, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), reiterated the Commission’s commitment under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“President Tinubu’s vision through Mallam Dikko is to empower youth via sports, build a sports economy, and create wealth opportunities for young men and women through sports-related enterprises,” said Olopade.

According to the DG, the idea to host the championship in Nigeria stemmed from Mallam Dikko’s diplomatic engagement in Algeria, where he successfully advocated for Nigeria’s capacity to stage the championship.

💼 Public-Private Partnership Model

Olopade emphasized that the event will be delivered through a public service/private sector partnership.

“The public service is standing up to be counted—and so is the private sector. While we can’t reveal exact figures yet, we assure Nigerians that the sponsorship is strong and transparent,” he noted.

He confirmed that the CAA has already contributed $300 USD toward the championship, and that corporate organizations such as MTN, Bank of Industry, and others have expressed firm interest in sponsoring the event.

“We have enough money to host this championship,” he declared.

🏃 Focus on Youth Development

Olopade highlighted the event’s strategic focus on capacity building, talent discovery, and athlete development for future international events, including the Commonwealth Games in Los Angeles, 2028.

Speaking directly to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), he issued a clear mandate:

“Produce new athletes who can compete with and beat established names. That is what Nigeria wants to see.”

He further urged that sports development should also benefit other stakeholders, ensuring a value chain that puts money in more pockets across the sector.

🌍 Continental Participation

Olopade revealed that 583 contingents from 30 countries have already confirmed participation. Though the CAA expects 50 African nations, 34 countries have submitted entries so far.

🔎 On OfiliGate

Addressing rumors of athlete Favour Ofili switching allegiance to Turkey, Olopade clarified:

“There’s no official communication from Ofili or the AFN. Personally, and on behalf of Mallam Dikko, we still consider her our daughter. We hope she continues to represent Nigeria.”

🗣️ Call to the Media and Public

He urged journalists to remain patriotic in their reporting and to always portray Nigeria positively. Veteran coach Gabriel Okon also appealed to Nigerians to come out in support of the young athletes:

“This championship is where the likes of Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume were discovered. Let’s support the next generation.”

Okon affirmed that Team Nigeria is fully prepared to host and compete in the event.

Signed:

Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi,
FCAI, ANIPR
Director, Information and Public Relations
National Sports Commission
Date: 26th June, 2025

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