Nigeria Tops Medals Table With 23 Medals as Team Returns from Dakar

Nigeria Tops Medals Table With 23 Medals as Team Returns from Dakar

By Niyi Busari 

Team Nigeria has returned to Lagos following a dominant performance at the CAA Region II U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships in Dakar, Senegal, where the country's young athletes emerged overall champions, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigerian contingent arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Monday, led by the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa.

Okowa, who attended the championships in his dual role as President of CAA Region II and President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, praised the athletes for their outstanding performances, discipline, and commitment throughout the competition.

Nigeria topped the medals table with an impressive haul of 15 gold, seven silver, and one bronze medal, reaffirming the country's dominance in the regional athletics championship.

Describing the performance as a reflection of the athletes' hard work and determination, Okowa said the results underscore Nigeria's depth of emerging talent and the bright future of athletics in the country.

"We have made a big statement in Dakar that Nigeria is blessed with talents. The future of athletics in Nigeria is bright. We have put in place a system to nurture them and monitor their transition to the elite level. Once again, I congratulate them for being Nigeria's worthy ambassadors in Dakar," Okowa said.

He added that the federation remains committed to developing young athletes and providing the support needed to ensure a smooth progression from the junior ranks to elite international competition.