Nigeria’s national archery team has arrived in Oran, Algeria, ahead of the 15th African Archery Championships, with high hopes of making history at one of the continent’s most prestigious competitions.
The Nigerian delegation touched down in the North African nation on Sunday as preparations entered their final phase for the championship, which will run from July 21 to July 26 at the Mediterranean Village in Oran. The event is expected to attract more than 130 archers from 18 African countries competing across various categories for continental honours.
This year’s championship represents another important milestone for Nigerian archery, with the country fielding its largest contingent ever at the African Championships. The expanded squad reflects the steady growth of the sport in Nigeria and the increasing investment made by the Nigeria Archery Federation in developing world class athletes capable of competing with the continent’s elite.
Leading the delegation is Nigeria Archery Federation President Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, who is accompanied by Vice President Augustine Obiefuna Chigbolu and national coach Aliyu Garga. The federation’s leadership believes the team is well prepared after months of intensive training and local competitions designed to sharpen the athletes ahead of the continental showdown.
The Nigerian squad consists of 18 archers who will compete in the compound, recurve and barebow divisions for both men and women.
The men’s compound team includes Aliyu Abubakar, Ogheneovo Odjuwuederhie, Seun Emmanuel Oyeleke and Damilola Bartholomew Sholademi, while Kachollom Larai Enyenihi and Haareke Evans will represent Nigeria in the women’s compound category.
In the recurve division, Tobi Bello, Tosin Junaid and Francis Okechukwu Okwu will compete in the men’s event, while Dara Dorcas Banjo will be Nigeria’s sole representative in the women’s recurve competition.
The men’s barebow team features Abdul Rahman Obasa, Abdulbasit Sanni, Arulogun Segun Joseph and Abubakar Usman. The women’s barebow squad is made up of Faith Adekogbe, Aminat Adeyemi, Mandu Eteidung and Precious Fanny Amun, all of whom will be aiming to secure podium finishes.
The championship is expected to provide stiff competition, with several African powerhouses including Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco bringing experienced athletes to Oran. Despite the challenge, Team Nigeria remains optimistic about its chances following a remarkable rise in continental rankings over the past few years.
Nigeria’s recent achievements have significantly boosted confidence within the camp. The country secured medals during the African Championships held in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2022 before improving its performance at the 2023 edition in Tunisia.
The biggest breakthrough came in 2025 when Nigeria produced its finest continental outing in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. During that championship, Nigerian archers captured gold medals and also dominated the inaugural African Run Archery Tournament, underlining the country’s emergence as one of Africa’s fastest rising forces in the sport.
Those achievements have inspired even greater expectations heading into this year’s competition.
Among the athletes expected to play key roles are Seun Emmanuel Oyeleke and Damilola Bartholomew Sholademi, who have consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top performing compound archers. Their experience at international competitions could prove invaluable as Nigeria battles for medals against some of Africa’s strongest nations.
Beyond the race for medals, the championship also carries additional significance for young athletes. The recurve under 18 category offers competitors an opportunity to earn qualification standards for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, making the tournament one of the most important events on the African archery calendar.
Officials believe participation in high level competitions such as the African Championships will continue to expose Nigerian athletes to international standards while strengthening the country’s long term ambitions of qualifying for future Olympic Games and World Championships.
The Nigeria Archery Federation has continued to invest in grassroots development, coaching education and regular national competitions, efforts that have gradually transformed the sport from a relatively unknown discipline into one capable of producing continental champions.
Sports observers believe the progress made over the last few years demonstrates that sustained investment, proper planning and athlete development can position Nigeria among Africa’s leading archery nations.
As competition begins in Oran, all eyes will be on Team Nigeria to see whether the country’s record breaking delegation can convert months of preparation into another successful continental campaign.
With confidence high, experienced officials guiding the team and talented athletes eager to prove themselves, Nigeria enters the African Archery Championships determined not only to compete but also to return home with medals that will further cement its growing reputation in African archery.
If the team’s recent performances are anything to go by, Nigerian sports fans have every reason to believe that another memorable chapter could soon be written in the country’s steadily rising archery story.
