Abuja, Nigeria – July 25, 2025
Nigeria officially flagged off the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja, as athletes, delegates, and officials from over 20 countries converged on the capital for the prestigious continental event.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, formally declared the championship open, describing the event as a major step toward strengthening sports development in Nigeria and across Africa.
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“We welcome all the athletes to Nigeria and we hope you are having a good time,” Dikko said during the opening ceremony. “We expect a very fast and fair competition that will lay the foundations for the sport.”
He emphasized the championship’s potential to inspire increased participation in armwrestling across Nigeria, while also recognizing the hard work of all organizers and stakeholders.
“This will help put the level of this sport on the map in Nigeria and encourage more athletes and participants across the country,” he stated, before declaring the event open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Also speaking at the event was the President of the Armwrestling Federation of Nigeria Engineer Samuel Jackson, who expressed gratitude to dignitaries present, including sponsors, government officials, and the international delegation.
“I’m grateful to the Chairman of the national sports commission , the Minister of Energy, and other dignitaries for supporting armwrestling,” he said. “This is the first time we’re seeing participation from more than 20 countries in the African Championship.”
He acknowledged the presence of key figures in the sport, including the African Federation President, Barrister Charles Osei Asibey, and the General Secretary of the World Armwrestling Federation, Mr. Mircea Simionescu-Simicel, who flew in from Birmingham.
“This event is not just a competition, but part of a bigger build-up to the 2027 Olympic Games in Egypt,” he added. “Our success at the last African Games in Accra, where Nigeria won 13 medals and placed second overall, proves that we are ready to take armwrestling to greater heights.”
The federation president also highlighted Nigeria’s strong medal prospects in the championship, having previously won 72 medals in various international armwrestling contests.
The championship continues throughout the weekend in Abuja and is expected to leave a lasting legacy on the sport in Africa, with Nigeria positioned as a key force in its development.
