By Ameh Gabriel
Nigerian Army Clinches Top Spot at Armed Forces Archery Championship
The Nigerian Army has emerged as the overall champion of the Armed Forces of Nigeria International Service Archery Competition, claiming an impressive 20 medals14 gold, three silver, and three bronze. The four-day event, held in Abuja from Wednesday to Saturday, brought together skilled archers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, competing fiercely across both men’s and women’s categories.
The Nigerian Navy secured second place with a haul of 14 medals, including one gold, six silver, and seven bronze. The Nigerian Air Force finished third, garnering six silver and seven bronze medals.
Archery, a sport demanding focus, precision, and control, was more than just a contest of skill at the championship. It served as a critical training exercise, enhancing troops’ mental, emotional, and physical readiness through non-kinetic means.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde highlighted the competition’s strategic importance in addressing modern security challenges.
“It is essential for our servicemen and women to maintain peak physical, mental, and emotional conditions to meet the nation’s demands,” General Musa said. “Events like this not only sharpen marksmanship but also instill integrity, precision, intensity, innovation, and excellence.”
The CDS also noted that archery reflects critical military values such as concentration, perseverance, and resilience — essential qualities on and off the battlefield. He praised the competitors for their outstanding performances, stressing that beyond the medals, the true achievement was the experience gained and the bonds forged among participants.
“Beyond medals, it’s the collective spirit, resilience, and camaraderie that define this competition,” Musa added.
The Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Nanjul Kumzhi, described the tournament as a celebration of skill, unity, and sportsmanship across the services. Kumzhi revealed that about 60 athletes competed, with the event also serving as a selection ground for elite archers who will represent Nigeria in future national and international tournaments.
As the bows were unstrung and arrows packed away, one thing remained clear: the Nigerian Army not only hit the bullseye on the archery targets but also exemplified the discipline, excellence, and unity that define the nation’s Armed Forces.
Archery Glory: Nigerian Army Leads Armed Forces in Abuja Tournament
Nigerian Army Clinches Top Spot at Armed Forces Archery Championship
The Nigerian Army has emerged as the overall champion of the Armed Forces of Nigeria International Service Archery Competition, claiming an impressive 20 medals 14 gold, three silver, and three bronze. The four-day event, held in Abuja from Wednesday to Saturday, brought together skilled archers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, competing fiercely across both men’s and women’s categories.
The Nigerian Navy secured second place with a haul of 14 medals, including one gold, six silver, and seven bronze. The Nigerian Air Force finished third, garnering six silver and seven bronze medals.
Archery, a sport demanding focus, precision, and control, was more than just a contest of skill at the championship. It served as a critical training exercise, enhancing troops’ mental, emotional, and physical readiness through non-kinetic means.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde highlighted the competition’s strategic importance in addressing modern security challenges.
“It is essential for our servicemen and women to maintain peak physical, mental, and emotional conditions to meet the nation’s demands,” General Musa said. “Events like this not only sharpen marksmanship but also instill integrity, precision, intensity, innovation, and excellence.”
The CDS also noted that archery reflects critical military values such as concentration, perseverance, and resilience — essential qualities on and off the battlefield. He praised the competitors for their outstanding performances, stressing that beyond the medals, the true achievement was the experience gained and the bonds forged among participants.
“Beyond medals, it’s the collective spirit, resilience, and camaraderie that define this competition,” Musa added.
The Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Nanjul Kumzhi, described the tournament as a celebration of skill, unity, and sportsmanship across the services. Kumzhi revealed that about 60 athletes competed, with the event also serving as a selection ground for elite archers who will represent Nigeria in future national and international tournaments.
As the bows were unstrung and arrows packed away, one thing remained clear: the Nigerian Army not only hit the bullseye on the archery targets but also exemplified the discipline, excellence, and unity that define the nation’s Armed Forces.
