By Comfort Akor
Abuja, Nigeria – Preparations are in top gear for the 2025 edition of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup – Wushu Championship, popularly known as the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup, scheduled to hold from October 29 to 31 at the Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja.
The annual martial arts event, jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the National Sports Commission (NSC), will bring together Wushu athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to compete in various categories. Winners and participants are expected to receive cash awards and consolation prizes.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, said the championship is not only about sportsmanship but also about deepening cultural exchange and friendship between both nations.
“The purpose of this event is not just to compete but to gather people who love Chinese martial arts to enjoy the beauty and spirit of Wushu,” Yang said. “Wushu is not about defeating others but about self-discipline, respect, and helping the weak. Through this event, we hope both Chinese and Nigerian athletes will find inspiration, confidence, and friendship.”
Yang described Wushu as “a way of life that combines strength with compassion,” stressing that martial arts have long served as a bridge fostering peace and understanding among nations.
Also speaking, Mr. Mykel Eneduwa, Patron of the FCT Wushu Association and President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, praised the Chinese Embassy for its consistent promotion of martial arts in Nigeria.
“Wushu teaches respect, integrity, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit—values we need to build the leaders of tomorrow. This tournament is not just about competition; it’s also about the lessons and discipline that come with it,” he said.
Eneduwa revealed that this year’s championship will feature six divisions, including Taiji (Tai Chi), Sanshou (Sanda), team forms, creative forms, and various male and female weight categories. He added that registration is free, with accommodation and feeding provided for all participating athletes.
In his remarks, Mr. Sesan Adeboyejo, North Central Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Wushu Kung Fu Federation and official of the NSC, described the event as a “historic collaboration” between both nations.
“This partnership between the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Wushu Kung Fu Federation is what we have long dreamed of, and it’s now becoming a reality. The purpose of this event is youth engagement and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China,” Adeboyejo said.
He commended the Chinese Embassy for its long-standing support of sports diplomacy and martial arts development in Nigeria, assuring that the NSC remains committed to sustaining such initiatives.
“On behalf of the Federation and the National Sports Commission, I say a very big thank you to the Chinese Embassy for organising this event and inviting us to collaborate. It’s a partnership that will leave a lasting impact on our athletes and our cultural ties,” he added.
The three-day Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship aims to further promote sportsmanship, cultural understanding, and friendship between Nigeria and China through the timeless art of Wushu.
