….Chigbolu Hails Team’s Performance
Nigeria has recorded its best-ever performance at an international archery competition after finishing with an unprecedented seven medals at the just-concluded 15th African Archery Championships in Oran, Algeria.
Team Nigeria ended the continental championship with an impressive haul of one gold, five silver and one bronze medal, surpassing all previous international achievements by the country in the sport and underlining the steady growth of archery in Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation to the championships was led by the President of the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED), Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, who commended the athletes and officials for their commitment throughout the competition.
Reacting to the team’s outstanding outing, the First Vice President of the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) and Chairman of its Marketing Committee, Ambassador Augustine Chigbolu, expressed delight over the performance, describing it as a landmark achievement for Nigerian archery.
Chigbolu said the results reflected the hard work, discipline and determination of the athletes, coaches and officials, adding that the federation’s investment in talent development is beginning to yield positive results on the continental stage.
“This is a proud moment for Nigerian archery. Our athletes have demonstrated resilience, commitment and the ability to compete with the very best in Africa. This historic performance gives us greater confidence as we continue to develop the sport and prepare for even bigger international competitions,” he said.
The Nigerian contingent won silver in the Barebow Men’s Team event through Obasa Abdul Rahman, Abdulbasit Sanni and Usman Abubakar.
The Barebow Women’s Team made history by claiming Nigeria’s only gold medal of the championship, courtesy of Faith Adekogbe, Eteidung Mandy and Precious Fanny-Amun.
Nigeria also secured silver in the Mixed Barebow Team event through Usman Abubakar and Faith Adekogbe, while Adekogbe capped a memorable championship by winning a silver medal in the Women’s Barebow Individual event.
In the compound division, Aliyu Abubakar, Damilola Bartholomew Sholademi and Emmanuel Oyeleke combined to win silver in the Compound Men’s Team event.
Evans Haareke added to Nigeria’s medal tally with a bronze medal in the Women’s Compound Individual event before teaming up with Emmanuel Oyeleke to claim silver in the Compound Mixed Team competition.
Chigbolu also expressed profound appreciation to all individuals and organisations whose support contributed to the team’s success in Algeria.
He gave special recognition to SBS Nigeria, the official sponsor of Team Nigeria’s jerseys and tracksuits for the Oran 2026 African Archery Championships, noting that the company’s backing boosted the morale of the athletes and demonstrated the importance of corporate partnership in sports development.
“We sincerely appreciate everyone who stood behind the federation and our athletes. Our special gratitude goes to SBS Nigeria for sponsoring the team’s jerseys and tracksuits. Their support played a significant role in our successful outing and serves as a shining example of how corporate organisations can contribute to the growth of Nigerian sports,” Chigbolu stated.
The federation believes the historic performance in Oran will serve as a catalyst for greater investment in archery and inspire more young Nigerians to embrace the sport, as Team Nigeria continues its quest for greater success on the African and global stage.
