By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has strengthened its partnership with World Archery Africa and the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED), with plans underway to host Africa’s inaugural Indoor Archery Championship in Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when he received a joint delegation from World Archery Africa and NAFED, led by the President of NAFED, Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Shaibu directed the Chief of Training to commence planning for the proposed continental championship at the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery facility.
The COAS said archery aligns with key military principles, including focus, marksmanship and discipline, while stressing the importance of the sport in promoting physical readiness, technical capacity and national prestige.
The partnership between the Nigerian Army and the archery bodies is also expected to strengthen civil-military relations and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to host major continental sporting events.
Abdullahi commended the Army for constructing Africa’s first dedicated standard archery pitch within a military formation, describing the facility as an important contribution to the development of the sport in Nigeria and across the continent.
He disclosed that military archers recently won all of Nigeria’s medals at the African Championship, highlighting the Army’s growing contribution to the country’s success in archery.
The President of World Archery Africa, Mr. Amine, similarly commended the Nigerian Army for its sponsorship, facilities and hospitality, describing the institutional partnership as a model for sports development across Africa.
He called for the Army’s support for Nigeria to host Africa’s inaugural Indoor Archery Championship, which would further promote the sport and showcase the country’s capacity to organise major continental competitions.
The planned championship is expected to further consolidate the Nigerian Army’s role in developing archery while providing a platform for athletes to compete at a high level and enhance Nigeria’s profile in the sport.
