Sports

Nigeria Will Soon Be a Leading Force in African, Global Karate – Agara

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2025

…As 2025 African Karate Championship Ends in Abuja

Joel Ajayi

President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Hon. Silas Agara, has expressed strong optimism about Nigeria’s rising status in the sport of Karate, declaring that the country is on course to becoming a dominant force both in Africa and on the global stage.

Agara made the statement during the closing ceremony of the 2025 African Karate Championship, which took place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The championship attracted over 1,000 athletes from more than 30 countries.

He commended the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their vital support, which he credited for the successful hosting of the event.

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished. Successfully hosting this championship is a major achievement, and it shows that Nigeria has what it takes to lead in this sport,” Agara stated.

He noted that while countries like Egypt arrived with 10 world-class athletes, Nigerian athletes were able to compete effectively, even reaching the finals in several categories.

“Our athletes have reached a level where they can share the podium with some of the best in the world. Morocco came with five world-ranked athletes, and traditionally, North African countries have dominated karate in Africa. But Nigeria is now changing the narrative,” he said.

Agara also acknowledged the efforts of other participating nations such as Senegal and Burkina Faso, known for their heavy investments in karate.

However, he emphasized that despite being relatively new to the global karate scene, Nigeria is making rapid progress.

“With the medals we’ve secured and the strong performances we’ve seen, it’s clear our athletes are on the right path. We are no longer just participants—we are contenders,” he added.

Agara concluded by reaffirming his belief that with continued investment, grassroots development, and the right support structures, Nigeria will soon emerge as a powerhouse in African and international karate.

Share on Facebook

Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

21 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

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.

Share on Facebook