Nigeria’s capital is set to host Africa’s premier karate competition as more than 1,000 athletes from 32 countries prepare for the 2025 African Karate Championship, taking place from July 21 to 28.
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The week-long tournament will feature competitors across four distinct categories, ranging from teenage cadets to Paralympic athletes, according to the president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Silas Agara, who briefed journalists Sunday in Abuja.
Competition categories include cadet divisions for 14-to 15-year-olds, junior levels for 16-to 17-year-olds, senior competitions for athletes over 18, and para karate events for athletes with disabilities. The diverse age ranges reflect the sport’s growing appeal across different demographics throughout Africa.
Organising the continental championship has presented significant logistical challenges for Nigerian officials, who have spent the past week coordinating accommodation, transportation, and immigration processes for the international delegation. Agara acknowledged the complexity of managing visa-on-arrival procedures and hotel arrangements for such a large contingent of athletes and officials.
“Logistics for these athletes and officials have not been too easy in terms of sorting out their accommodation, their transport from the hotel, and immigration processes,” Agara admitted, while expressing confidence that preparations remain on track.
The championship coincides with the African Karate Federation’s General Assembly, bringing together continental sports administrators alongside the athletic competition.
Nigeria enters the tournament with high expectations, fielding a 60-member squad that includes established African champions and Commonwealth Games medallists. Technical Director Dave Jegede highlighted the team’s extensive preparation, noting that athletes have participated in four national and two regional championships leading up to the continental event.
“We have about 60 athletes that will participate in this championship, and many of them are African champions. We have gold medallists, silver medallists, and bronze medallists in our team,” Jegede stated, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s medal prospects on home soil.
The Nigerian squad has maintained regular training camps and competition schedules specifically designed to prepare for the high-profile hosting opportunity. Jegede described the athletes as being “in high spirits” ahead of what represents Nigeria’s most significant karate tournament in recent years.
International technical officials from participating countries have already arrived to ensure standardised judging and competition management throughout the championship week.
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