The Abiola Sports Centre in Abuja is set to roar to life today as the African Athletics Championships for Under-18 and Under-20 athletes kick off, with a strong Ethiopian contingent vying for top honours across several key events. Ethiopia has pinned high hopes on its athletes to shine at the continental tournament.
The opening day will see a flurry of activity for the Ethiopian team, starting with the women’s 3,000m Under-20 final at 3:10 PM local time (GMT+1).
Bethlehem Tilahun, Tarhas Gebrehiwot, and Wodenesh Alemu will represent Ethiopia, aiming to secure a strong start for their nation’s medal count. The trio will face stiff competition from other East African powerhouses known for their distance running prowess.
Shortly after, at 3:25 PM, Nibret Kindie will be Ethiopia's sole representative in the men's 10,000m Under-20 final. Kinde carries the weight of his nation's expectations as he battles for supremacy on the track. He is expected to face challenges from Kenyan and Ugandan athletes.
Earlier in the day, the spotlight will be on the Under-18 athletes in the 1,500m finals. At 1:40 PM, Samuel Gebrehawarya and Abraham Gebre Egziabher will compete in the men’s final, hoping to demonstrate their speed and tactical acumen.
They will be closely watched by scouts, making this competition a chance to demonstrate their talent.
Following the men, Elisabeth Amare, Desta Tadesse, and Bontu Daniel will take to the track in the women’s 1,500m Under-18 final. These young athletes are considered promising talents within the Ethiopian athletics system and are keen to make their mark on the continental stage.
In addition to the finals, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation has confirmed that athletes will also participate in the preliminary heats for the women's 100m in both the Under-18 and Under-20 categories.
Furthermore, the Under-18 athletes of both genders will compete in the 400m heats. These preliminary races provide an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the finals scheduled for later in the competition.
The Championships represent a significant opportunity for young African athletes to showcase their talent, gain international experience, and potentially earn recognition from scouts and coaches.
Ethiopia, with its rich history in track and field, is expected to be a strong contender throughout the competition, with the outcome of today’s events setting the tone for their overall performance.
The competition promises to be a fierce contest with great athletes, according to EBC Sport.