The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has officially announced Senegal as the host nation for the 2025 CAA Zone II U-18 and U-20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in March.

Tonobok Okowa, the president of CAA Zone II and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), revealed that Senegal was chosen over Nigeria, Guinea, and Burkina Faso to ensure broader regional inclusivity. He emphasized the importance of uniting West African countries through athletics and creating equal opportunities for all member nations.

“We’ve previously hosted CAA Zone II competitions in countries like Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, located on the western side of the sub-region. It is now time to give the eastern side an opportunity to make history and contribute to the growth of athletics,” Okowa stated.

He highlighted Senegal’s excellent sporting infrastructure and rich heritage in athletics as key factors in the decision. “Senegal offers a vibrant sporting environment with resourceful and hospitable people who value diversity and hospitality. Their commitment to creating a memorable experience for athletes and officials is commendable,” he added.

Okowa assured that measures would be in place to address potential concerns, including ensuring adequate security, seamless logistics, and crowd management. Over 500 athletes and officials from 16 countries are expected to participate in the championships.

The event aligns with Okowa’s vision of harnessing youth potential through sports, using athletics as a platform to engage and create opportunities for young talents across the region