Sports

Capt Ayoade Showcases 4-Year Gains of Shooting Federation, Eyes Nigeria’s Rise

Published

1 year ago

September 28, 2025

Joel Ajayi

South West Representative of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) and Presidential Aspirant, Capt (NN) OB Ayoade, has unveiled a comprehensive account of the federation’s progress under his leadership from 2021 to 2025. In a personally signed statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Capt. Ayoade outlined the achievements as a “Track Record of Service, Sacrifice, and Structure,” while pledging to raise the bar even higher if entrusted with the mandate to lead the federation as President.

According to the statement, Distinguished Senior Officers, Esteemed Board Members, and Honourable Secretary,I respectfully present this stewardship report with deep gratitude for the trust bestowed upon me to serve the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF). Over the past four years, we have transitioned from dormancy to direction — setting a clear course toward global competitiveness.

Key Achievements: Building the Foundation for Olympic Qualification. Pioneering Participation & Talent Discovery

NYG Ilorin 2021: Self-funded and successfully executed. Converted a university lecture hall into a functional shooting range. Discovered two promising female athletes from Kano.

ASSF AGM in Cairo: Personally covered costs to attend and intervened to prevent Nigeria’s suspension over unpaid affiliation dues. Cleared 3 years of arrears and deposited $3,000 to secure ongoing participation and Egyptian cooperation.

ISSF Representation: Funded NSSF athlete participation in: ISSF World Cups (Egypt 2021 & 2022, Baku 2023) African Championships (Egypt 2023)

High-Impact Development Initiatives, Personally funded: Recruitment of two foreign coaches. Domestic and international athlete camps (20+ in Abuja, 8 in Egypt). ISSF affiliation fees for 2023–2024. €20,000 worth of equipment secured (Nov 2024).

National shooting clinic with Col. Ahmed (2022) and Training and enlightenment programs in Plateau State. Athlete Performance Trends: Rifle athletes achieving scores above 595, approaching Olympic MQS level. Pistol talents climbing, with top national score at 540+. Foundation laid — the next mission: conversion to MQS and Olympic quotas.

2025–2028 Vision: Qualify Nigeria for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Roadmap: Preparation – MQS -Quota – Olympics; A. Yearly High-Performance Camps

24 weeks of training annually (12-week blocks or continuous). Integrated team: head coaches (rifle/pistol), strength & conditioning, physio, psychologist, nutritionist, certified armourer.

Weekly match simulations and transparent performance tracking.

Coaching & Talent Pathways

Retain international coaches and upskill Nigerian coaches via ISSF certification. Selection purely score-based with clear benchmarks and an independent appeals process.

Competition Strategy: Consistent starts at ISSF World Cups, Grand Prix, African Championships. Pre-event warm-up competitions 6–8 weeks ahead. Launch Nigeria Grand Prix on Electronic Target Systems (ETS) to simulate elite match conditions.

Infrastructure & Equipment: Expand ETS to Delta State and other regional hubs. Centralized firearms/ammunition management with trained armourers.

Funding & Transparent Governance: Blend of NSC/NOC, ISSF grants, CSR partnerships, and state/institutional support. Transparent budgeting with quarterly reporting and protected travel funds for athletes.

First 180 Days (Post Re-Election): Launch full 2025–2028 calendar and publish MQS benchmarks. Appoint LA28 MQS squad and alternates. Start Camp Block 1; finalize international coaching contracts.Commission two new ETS hubs and certify two more armourers. Host Nigeria Grand Prix #1 and secure at least 2 international starts for core athletes andImplement athlete dashboards and publish quarterly KPIs.

Target Metrics by 2028: 6+ athletes at MQS level by end of 2026; 10+ by 2027, 3 ETS ranges by mid-2026, 5+ by 2028, 8+ international starts per core athlete per year,20+ ISSF-certified Nigerian coaches by 2027

Why Re-Elect Capt Ayoade? Continuity That Converts. Over the last four years, I have personally invested in athletes, coaches, international dues, equipment, and camps — not just to maintain the Federation, but to move it forward. The experience, networks, and systems built are now ready to be scaled for Olympic qualification.

Nigeria is no longer on the sidelines. With your continued support, we will take our shot on the world stage.

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Sports

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

Published

15 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.

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