2025 AAC: Nigeria Eyes Medals Through Five Rising Stars in Abeokuta

Posted : 27 June 2025

The countdown is on, just 20 days remain before Africa’s brightest young athletes converge in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled for July 16–20.

For Team Nigeria, this championship is more than just a continental meet, it's a powerful launchpad. A golden opportunity for the country’s emerging talents to announce themselves on a major stage and set the tone for future Olympic and World Championship glory.

Among the standout stars set to compete in the green-white-green are five prodigies already gaining local and international recognition:

Chioma Nwachukwu

Events: 400m, 4x400m Relay
PBs: 400m – 51.26s | Indoor – 52.07s | 4x400m – 3:26.90
College: University of Iowa

A 2022 National Sports Festival gold medalist and NUGA champion, Chioma has set indoor and outdoor 4x400m relay records at Iowa. Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, she brings elite NCAA experience and fierce energy to the team.

Okon Israel

Events: 60m, 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
PBs: 100m – 9.91s | 60m – 6.51s | 200m – 20.80s
College: Auburn University

A history-maker in the sprints, Okon tied Auburn’s 60m record and ranks among Nigeria’s all-time best alongside greats like Davidson Ezinwa. The 2023 African Games relay gold medalist and U20 national 100m record holder, Okon is poised for greatness.

Favour Onyah

Events: 400m, 200m, 4x400m Relay
PBs: 400m – 51.93s | 200m – 24.35s | 4x400m – 3:40.46
College: Southeastern Louisiana University

2024 Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, Favour has proven herself at NCAA level and on Nigerian soil. With a bronze at the 2023 Nigerian Trials and a relay gold at MTN CHAMPS Asaba, she’s a key player in Nigeria’s women’s relay unit.

Gafari Badmus

Events: 400m, 200m, 800m, 4x400m Relay
PBs: 400m – 45.62s | 200m – 21.64s | 800m – 1:56.48 | Mixed Relay – 3:25.59
College: Not currently enrolled

Gafari is a versatile dynamo. A 2024 National Sports Festival gold medalist in the men’s 4x400m relay, he has impressed across multiple distances. His raw speed and endurance could prove decisive in both individual and relay events.

John Caleb

Events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
PBs: 100m – 10.39s | 200m – 21.19s | 4x100m – 40.28s
College: Not currently enrolled

A back-to-back champion at MTN CHAMPS Benin and Lagos, Caleb stood out at the U18 Trials and is one of Nigeria’s fastest teens. With explosive starts and fluid bend running, he’ll be a force in the 100m, 200m, and relays.

As Nigeria prepares to host the continent’s best young athletes, all eyes will be on this elite group. With home support and momentum on their side, these five could very well usher in a new golden era for Nigerian athletics.

2025 AAC: Nigeria Eyes Medals Through Five Rising Stars in Abeokuta

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