The 14th African Armwrestling Championship officially commenced yesterday, with a spectacular opening ceremony held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The championship, which brings together over 400 athletes and officials from 20 African countries, opened with color, music, unity, and a renewed spirit of continental sportsmanship.
Leading the dignitaries in attendance was the renowned sports administrator and reform advocate, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who declared the event open on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He was joined by Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development; Senator John Enoh, Minister of Sports Development; Comrade Philip Shaibu, Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS); Sunday Dare, former Sports Minister and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications.
The ceremony began with a parade of the 20 participating countries, each marching in proudly with their flags, followed by a captivating cultural display that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity and hospitality. A vibrant military band performance added ceremonial grandeur, leaving the capacity crowd in awe.
Hon. Adeboye Adeyinka, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), expressed profound appreciation to the government, stakeholders, and media for their roles in making the championship a historic reality.
“This is more than a sporting competition — it’s a celebration of Africa’s youth, strength, and unity. Nigeria is honored to host this, and we’re determined to set new standards for sports development across the continent,” Adeboye said during his welcome remarks.
Also present at the ceremony were key international armwrestling figures including Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Armwrestling Federation of Africa; Engr. Samuel Jackson, President of the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation; and Mr. Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, Secretary General of the World Armwrestling Federation, who flew in from Romania.
“Africa is no longer emerging — Africa is ready. This championship shows the power of collaboration, and Nigeria has once again stepped forward to lead,” said Charles Osei Asibey.
This year’s championship is more than a contest of strength — it serves as an official qualifier for the 2025 World Armwrestling Championship in Bulgaria, as well as a benchmark for qualification into the 2027 All-African Games in Egypt.
The championship runs until July 27, with matches streamed live on YouTube and thousands expected to follow every moment of action.
Nigeria is not just hosting — Nigeria is defining the future of African sports
