Nigeria target more continental glory with 18-strong archery team for African Championships
Team Nigeria has arrived in Oran, Algeria, ahead of the 15th African Archery Championships, set to take place from July 21 to 26, with the country's biggest and most balanced squad ever assembled for the continental competition.
An 18-athlete delegation will represent Nigeria across six divisions, competing in the compound, recurve and barebow events for both men and women as the nation eyes another successful outing on the African stage.
Leading the delegation are Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) President, Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, Vice President Augustine Obiefuna Chigbolu, and national coach Aliyu Garga.
In the men's compound category, Nigeria will be represented by Aliyu Abubakar, Ogheneovo Odjuwuederhie, Seun Emmanuel Oyeleke and Damilola Bartholomew Sholademi, while Kachollom Larai Enyenihi and Haareke Evans will compete in the women's compound event.
The men's recurve team features Tobi Bello, Tosin Junaid and Francis Okechukwu Okwu, with Dara Dorcas Banjo flying Nigeria's flag in the women's recurve division.
Nigeria's barebow contingent includes Abdul Rahman Obasa, Abdulbasit Sanni, Arulogun Segun Joseph and Abubakar Usman in the men's event, while Faith Adekogbe, Aminat Adeyemi, Mandu Eteidung and Precious Fanny-Amun will compete in the women's category.
The championships, taking place at the Mediterranean Village in Oran, present another opportunity for Nigeria to build on its growing reputation in African archery. The country claimed medals at the African Championships in Pretoria in 2022 and Nabeul, Tunisia, in 2023, before enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2025 by winning gold in Abidjan and emerging victorious at Africa's first-ever Run Archery Tournament.
NAFED Director of Marketing, Emmanuel Oyeleke, believes the team has what it takes to deliver once again but urged corporate organisations to support the athletes and the continued growth of the sport in Nigeria.
He said every arrow shot in Oran represents the hopes of a nation and the progress of one of Africa's fastest-growing archery programmes, adding that the athletes have prepared with commitment and sacrifice and now deserve the backing of corporate Nigeria.
Competition begins on July 21 with official practice and equipment inspection, followed by the qualification rounds on July 22. Individual elimination matches will take place on July 23, team and mixed team events on July 24, while the championships conclude with the finals and medal presentations on July 25 and 26.
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