Young athletes showcase talent at Abuja pre-season challenge

Young athletes from across the Federal Capital Territory took centre stage at the Abuja Preseason Challenge, a grassroots athletics event aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging sporting talent ahead of the new season. Held recently at the training pitch of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the competition brought together athletes aged 10 to 15 alongside […]

Young athletes from across the Federal Capital Territory took centre stage at the Abuja Preseason Challenge, a grassroots athletics event aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging sporting talent ahead of the new season.
Held recently at the training pitch of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the competition brought together athletes aged 10 to 15 alongside elite competitors aged 17 and above for performance assessments and preseason training activities.
Organised by Unique Stars Athletics Club in collaboration with athletics stakeholders, the event provided coaches and officials with an opportunity to evaluate athletes’ preparedness for the competitive season while scouting for promising talents.
Participants competed in a range of track events throughout the day, with coaches closely monitoring performances and development potential.
Supporting the initiative was Abuja-based Pasich Furniture as part of its 2026 corporate social responsibility programme focused on youth and community development.
Speaking at the event, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Sunday Stephen Eze, popularly known as Mr Sise, stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young athletes to develop and showcase their abilities.
According to him, platforms such as the preseason challenge provide the visibility and encouragement needed for athletes seeking to progress in the sport.
One of the organisers, certified athletics coach and former quarter-miler Gerald Oghnemega Odeka, said the challenge was designed to assess athletes’ readiness for the season while strengthening grassroots athletics development in Abuja.
The event also attracted support from the Abuja chapter of the Athletics Coaches Association of Nigeria (ACAN), with several coaches and sports administrators in attendance.
Opening remarks were delivered by the company’s General Manager, Michael Chukwuemeka Agu, who highlighted the role of private-sector participation in youth-focused sporting initiatives.