Sports
Nigeria Prioritizes Cadet and Junior Development – Karate President
…As Stakeholders Applaud Successful Hosting of Africa Karate Championship in Abuja
By Joel Ajayi
As action commenced on Day One of the ongoing 2025 Africa Karate Championship in Abuja, with over 34 countries in attendance, the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Silas Agara, disclosed that Nigeria’s primary focus remains the development of cadet and junior athletes who will represent the nation at the Olympics and other global events.
Speaking during the championship, Agara emphasized that the tournament offers a golden opportunity for Nigeria to nurture young talents with the determination and potential to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
“We are investing our time and resources in the cadet and junior categories. These young athletes are the future of karate in Nigeria, and we believe they have what it takes to compete at the highest levels globally,” Agara stated.
He further revealed that plans are underway to register Nigeria’s young athletes for an international event scheduled for October, which will serve both as a preparatory platform and an opportunity to earn points toward qualification for the World Championship.
Commenting on Nigeria’s hosting of the tournament, Agara—who was recently elected as the 4th Vice President of the African Karate Federation—disclosed that although Nigeria did not initially bid to host the championship, the country has exceeded expectations in delivering a world-class event.
“We never bid for this championship because stronger nations like Libya, Egypt, and Morocco had already shown interest. But to the glory of God, we have hosted one of the best African Karate Championships ever,” he said.
“We have the best mats on display, an exceptional ambiance, and arguably the finest medals ever presented in the history of African karate championships.”
Agara credited the success of the tournament to the unwavering support of the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission. He also commended Nigerian athletes for their impressive performances and praised the participation of 34 countries—a rare feat in African sports championships.
“We’re proud of our athletes and grateful for the unity this championship has brought to African karate,” he added.
Agara reaffirmed the federation’s strong commitment to grassroots development across the country.
Meanwhile, stakeholders and dignitaries from around the world, including the President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), Antonio Espinós, expressed high praise for the facilities and overall organization of the event.
“I am impressed by the edifice and top-notch facilities here in Abuja. The standards are very high,” Espinós remarked.
Similarly, the newly elected President of the Union of Africa Karate Federation (UAKF), Souleymane Gaye, also lauded Nigeria for hosting a befitting championship, describing the facilities as “world-class” during a televised interview on NTA.
On the competitive front, Team Nigeria delivered an impressive performance on Day One of the championship, clinching five medals to finish second on the medals table.
Nigeria’s medal haul included one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, reaffirming the country’s growing stature on the continental karate scene.
The 2025 Africa Karate Championship, currently ongoing in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has drawn elite athletes from across the continent in a vibrant celebration of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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