Over 1,000 Athletes Arrive in Abuja for 2025 African Karate Championship.

Abuja is currently hosting over 1,000 athletes from 31 African countries who have arrived for the 2025 African Karate Championship, taking place from July 21 to July 28.

President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Silas Agara, confirmed to journalists on Sunday that the championship will feature four categories: cadet (ages 14–15), junior (16–17), senior (18+), and para-karate (also 18+). He noted that both athletes and technical officials from participating countries are now in Nigeria, ready for the week-long event.

Agara highlighted the federation’s efforts in preparing for the championship, including managing accommodation, transportation, and visa-on-arrival processes. “By the registration deadline on Wednesday night, 31 countries had confirmed participation, bringing with them more than 1,000 athletes and officials,” he said. “It’s been a challenge sorting out logistics, but we’re fully on track.”

The championship will also include the General Assembly of the African Karate Federation, to be held in Abuja during the competition.

Technical Director of the KFN, Dave Jegede, announced that Nigeria would be fielding 60 athletes, many of whom are previous medal winners at African and Commonwealth levels. He emphasized that Nigeria’s team has undergone rigorous preparation, participating in four national and two regional events in the build up to the championship.

“Our athletes are well-prepared and motivated. With the level of experience and training they’ve had, we’re confident that Team Nigeria will perform excellently,” Jegede stated.