The 2026 NAFED National Open Archery Championship concluded in Abuja with a record-setting performance, marking a milestone for Nigerian archery. Held from 20 to 26 April at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the event featured 87 athletes from nine clubs, including new developmental categories for under-18 competitors. ZEN Archery Club / Lagos State Archery Association topped the medal table with six gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, earning the Overall Best Team award. The Nigerian Army Archery Club secured second place with four gold, five silver, and one bronze, while ARCH Archery Club and Academy claimed third with three gold, four silver, and two bronze. Defense Archery Club fielded the largest delegation, with over 20 athletes. National records were broken in the Barebow, Olympic Recurve, and Compound divisions. Gabriel Nojeh of ZEN Archery and Wania Ahassan of ARCH Archery set new U-18 Barebow records. The championship also included a judges' certification programme, reinforcing institutional development. National Director, Technical of the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED), Damilola Sholademi, credited the success to years of structural investment. "This is not the Nigeria Archery Federation of five years ago," Sholademi said. "What you saw this week is years of structural work paying off on the range. The clubs, the athletes, the officials — everyone came ready. That does not happen by accident."
ZEN Archery's dominance with six gold medals contrasts sharply with the federation's claim that structural growth is evenly lifting all clubs. If the largest delegation from Defense Archery Club is a sign of expanding reach, the medal distribution suggests development has not yet translated into top-tier performance across the board. Gabriel Nojeh and Wania Ahassan's U-18 records offer a glimpse of emerging talent beyond dominant clubs. Their success may signal a future shift in competitive balance if supported consistently.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
