Some 600 athletes from 43 countries are expected to take part in the 14th African championships holding here 14-18 July, according to official sources.

Stars on roll for the championships include Namibian sprinter Frankie Frederick, Mozambique's Maria Mutola (800m), Cameroon's Françoise Mbango (vice world triple jump champion), Nigerian sprinter Maria Onyali and her compatriot Deji Aliu.