Luanda, Dec. 14, 2025 ,The 4th African Youth Games officially opened on Saturday night at the November 11 Stadium in Luanda, Angola.
The opening ceremony featured a colourful march-past by participating nations, cultural displays and performances showcasing Angola’s heritage.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Mustapha Berraf of Algeria, described the Games as a “grand and vibrant spectacle” celebrating the cultural richness of Angola and the African continent.
Berraf noted that the Games represent more than a sporting competition, stressing that they serve as a platform for unity, social transformation and the development of young talents across Africa.
He also highlighted Angola’s achievement as the first Portuguese-speaking country to host the African Youth Games.
The ceremony included the traditional parade of nations, with athletes from the expected 54 African countries marching into the stadium.
Team South Africa’s flag was carried by 16-year-old judoka Ayabulela Gwama and 16-year-old weightlifter Tyrell Stewart, while Team Gambia made a colourful appearance during the parade.
The ANOCA president further emphasised that the Games serve as a key qualification pathway for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled for Dakar, Senegal, in 2026.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Mr Tony Nezianya, said in a statement on Sunday that the opening ceremony provided Angola with an opportunity to showcase its hosting capacity, modern infrastructure and commitment to African sports development.
Nezianya, however, disclosed that Team Nigeria encountered logistical challenges on arrival, as part of the team’s ceremonial outfits was delayed due to a mix-up by Ethiopian Airlines officials, which resulted in the luggage being diverted to a new Angolan airport.
He said the situation required several hours to resolve, while immigration officials also faced challenges with visa processing on arrival, a situation that affected several teams participating in the Games.
The opening ceremony marked the official commencement of the Games, which have brought together thousands of young athletes in Luanda.
