A road traffic accident involving members of the Tunisian athletics delegation competing in the ongoing CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship in Abeokuta has prompted an emergency response and a fresh review of safety protocols by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The incident occurred on Saturday while the athletes were en route from the competition venue to the Games Village. According to a statement issued by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the NSC, the vehicle involved was not moving under the event’s official safety escort.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, was reported to have arrived at the scene moments after the accident occurred. He provided immediate assistance and ordered the athletes’ urgent transfer to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. From there, they were moved to another medical facility for further care.
The Director General of the NSC and Governor Abiodun later visited the hospital, where they were briefed by medical personnel and met with the Tunisian team officials. The NSC said it has remained in close communication with the Tunisian delegation as treatment continues.
The Commission has not disclosed the number of athletes affected or the extent of their injuries but confirmed that initial medical attention was promptly provided.
“The safety and well-being of all athletes and participants remain our topmost priority,” the NSC said in its official statement. It also acknowledged the response by state authorities, health workers, and security agencies, describing the intervention as timely.
While expressing sympathy to the injured athletes and their families, the NSC assured that internal procedures would be reviewed to prevent similar lapses in transportation arrangements.
The Tunisian team is part of several international contingents participating in the African junior athletics championship, which is being hosted in Nigeria for the first time in over a decade.
