With about three weeks to the third edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18, U-20 Championships, defending champions, South Africa, is topping the list of countries with the highest number of entries for the event.
The country sent in a total of 100 entries comprising 42 male and 40 female athletes, with 18 officials expected to follow the team to Nigeria for the championships slated for July 16 to 20 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Algeria has 65 entries, made up of 30 male and 19 female athletes, with 16 officials accompanying them, while Egypt will be in Nigeria with 57 entries (21 male, 20 female athletes, 16 officials), just as Zimbabwe has submitted 50 entries (30 male, nine female athletes, 11 officials) with Morocco following closely with 49 entries comprising 27 male, 16 female athlete and six officials.
Other countries that have submitted their entries are Botswana, Ghana, Uganda, Congo, Namibia, Djibouti, DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Seychelles, Guinea, South Sudan, Libya, Cameroon, Gabon, Mauritius, and Senegal with their entries ranging from 37 to five.
Countries like Eswatini, Somalia, Niger, Cape Verde, Malawi, Lesotho, Comoros, and Angola have also confirmed their entries for the championships expected to produce future stars for the continent.
Meanwhile, entries are still being expected from the host country, Nigeria, and three others, Eritrea, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The Guardian learned, yesterday, that Team Nigeria would have its final trials for the championships this week.
South Africa submits record entry
By King Jaja
