The African Athletics Confederation (CAA) have announced the change of venue for the third Africa U18/U20 Championships scheduled for July 16 to 20.
The event earlier scheduled for Oran, Algeria, has been moved to Abeokuta, Nigeria. Abeokuta is 40 km from the Nigerian capital, Lagos.
The CAA council meeting will be held on July 13, and the CAA Congress on July 14. Kenya will use the event as part of preparations for the 21st edition of the World Athletics U20 Championships, scheduled for August 4-9, 2026, in Eugene.
Athletics Kenya (AK) Youth Development Committee chairman, Barnaba Korir, confirmed the change of venue from Algeria to Nigeria.
"We received a letter from the CAA to that effect, and our preparations have begun,” said Korir. In an interview, Korir asked athletes who fall under the two age categories to intensify their preparations ahead of the event.
He said AK plans to do inter-camp trials in early June and national trials later that month to select the Nigeria-bound team. He said AK will thoroughly vet the athletes at the regional level and warned against age cheating.“Camps should ensure that they field athletes within the required age for the event,” said Korir.
Riooga Secondary School, AK youth camp coordinator and Principal Haron Onchong’a, on Wednesday, vowed to have at least 10 athletes in the Nigeria-bound team. He backed three-time national secondary schools champion Brian Okoth to make his international debut in Nigeria. “He is in top form and I’m confident he will annihilate his competitors at national trains,” said Onchong’a.
Eastern Africa 400m champions James Gechuki, Daniel Wasike (100m/200m), Perminus Tinega (3000m) and race walker Ken Mokaya are the other athletes Onchong’a believes will make the team.
In the women’s category, he backed newly crowned Eastern Africa 200m champion Faith Onserio to book a ticket to Nigeria. The Other probables are Melvin Kireki (100m/200m), Doreen Chepkoech (1,500m) and Ruth Ondara (3000m)
