Senegal has been chosen to host the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Zone II Under-18 and Under-20 Championships, a move that highlights the nation's growing prominence in African sports. The announcement was made by Chief Tonobok Okowa, the President of CAA Zone II and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), who expressed his excitement over the selection of Dakar as the host city.
This decision marks a significant step toward fostering unity and inclusivity across West Africa, as the CAA Zone II has traditionally held events in countries like Benin, Togo, and Ghana. Okowa explained that it was time to extend the opportunity to the eastern side of the subregion, with Senegal providing a perfect location to help enrich the African athletics landscape. Senegal’s selection follows a thorough evaluation process by the CAA, which considered the country’s top-tier sporting infrastructure and its rich athletic history.
“The choice of Senegal is a strategic one,” Okowa said. “It aligns with our goal to unite the region through sport and offer each country a sense of belonging. Senegal's excellent facilities and its welcoming spirit made it the ideal location for this year’s championships. It’s an opportunity for the east to showcase its strengths and contribute meaningfully to the growth of athletics in Africa.”
Okowa further praised Senegal’s vibrant sporting culture, noting that the country is known for its dynamic and hospitable people. He emphasized that these qualities would enhance the experience for athletes and officials attending the competition. The CAA President also reassured the public that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety, smooth transportation, and overall success of the event.
The competition, expected to draw more than 500 athletes and officials from 16 countries, will likely take place during the last weekend of March. However, Okowa noted that the CAA Zone II Secretariat would finalize the exact dates in the coming weeks.
The event’s significance extends beyond athletics; it’s a key part of Okowa’s broader agenda to use sports as a vehicle for youth development. The U-18 and U-20 Championships will serve as a platform for young athletes to build their careers, providing opportunities to showcase their talents on an international stage. Okowa highlighted that his administration views athletics not only as a means of competition but as a tool for inspiring the next generation of leaders and champions across Africa.
“Through this event, we aim to create pathways for young people, encouraging them to pursue their passions in sports and beyond,” Okowa said. “This is just one of many steps we are taking to ensure that African youth can see a brighter future through athletics.”
Senegal's commitment to sports development was also underscored by Okowa, who praised the government’s continued support for athletic initiatives.
