Several Tunisian athletes sustained injuries on Saturday following a road accident involving their vehicle along Kobape Road in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The unfortunate incident occurred while the team was en route to the Games Village from the MKO Abiola Sports Arena for the ongoing CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship, raising concerns over transportation safety protocols during the event.
In a statement confirming the incident, the National Sports Commission, through Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General, disclosed that the affected vehicle was not under the official safety escort that typically includes security and support personnel.
In an unexpected turn, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, happened to be driving along the same route and promptly intervened at the scene to provide immediate support.
“Fortunately, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State, happened to be commuting along the same route and immediately rendered first response assistance at the scene,” the statement read.
The injured Tunisian athletes were initially taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for first aid before being transferred to another hospital for more comprehensive medical attention.
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NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, alongside Governor Abiodun, was said to have visited the hospital shortly after the incident and have remained actively involved in overseeing the treatment of the injured participants.
“The injured athletes were swiftly transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta where they received first aid attention and later moved to another facility for adequate treatment,” the commission stated.
Reiterating its commitment to the welfare of all athletes, the NSC extended heartfelt sympathy to the Tunisian delegation and the families of those injured, while commending the rapid response from Ogun State authorities, medical teams, and security operatives.
The championship, which brings together over 500 athletes from more than 50 African nations, began on Wednesday, July 16, and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, July 20, 2025.