Several Tunisian athletes participating in the ongoing CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, have been hospitalised following a road accident on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

The incident occurred when the athletes were returning from the competition venue to the Games Village, and their vehicle was involved in a traffic crash along a major road in Ogun State.

Reports indicate that the vehicle transporting the Tunisian delegation was not part of the official convoy and lacked the necessary security and medical escorts typically arranged for athletes during the championship.

In a remarkable coincidence, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was driving along the same route at the time, stopped at the scene to provide immediate assistance. The governor and his security aides facilitated the swift evacuation of the injured athletes to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, where they were stabilised before being transferred to another medical facility for further treatment.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Commission’s Director-General.

“The National Sports Commission (NSC) regrets to confirm that a vehicle transporting members of the Tunisian delegation participating in the ongoing CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was involved in a road traffic accident on Saturday, 19th July 2025,” the statement read.

The NSC acknowledged that the vehicle was not under the organised safety protocols, which usually include security escorts and medical support personnel.

Both the Director General of the NSC and Governor Abiodun personally visited the hospital to oversee the care of the affected athletes, while maintaining close communication with the Tunisian team leadership.

“The NSC wishes the injured athletes a quick and full recovery and extends its heartfelt sympathy to their teammates, families, and the Tunisian delegation. The safety and well-being of all athletes and participants remain our topmost priority,” the statement added.

The NSC also commended the swift response by the Ogun State Government, medical teams, and security agencies.

Further updates on the athletes’ conditions are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.