Sports
Engr Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship Begins in Abuja on Sunday
The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, (NWF) has announced dates for the Engr. Habu Gumel National Open Weightlifting Championship.
According to a release by the federation on Friday, the three-day championship named after the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr Habu Gumel will commence on Sunday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024.
The open championship which is open to all the 36 states in the federation including the Federal Capital Territory will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Each State is expected to present athletes in all the weightlifting categories in both male and female classics.
Athletes and officials are expected to arrive on Saturday ahead of the opening ceremony on Sunday. There will presentation of medals to winners in Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total on the final day on Tuesday
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on the open championship, the President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Dr Ibrahim Abdul (FCISM, OCP, CMC), said the championship which is open to all categories of lifters, is aimed at discovering new talents as well as preparing them for future engagements.
“It’s important that we start looking behind to pick and nurture talented lifters who will take over from the current ones. That is the essence of the national open championship. We want to discover new talents and incubate them for national glory. We have athletes right now who are in their prime, doing exceptionally well for the country but we felt that as a federation, there is the need for us to have a reservoir where we can nurture and groom the younger ones.
“The championship is open to all weightlifting associations in the 36 states and the FCT. We want everyone to participate. The recently concluded National Youth Games in Asaba was a stage for young athletes who displayed their potentials and the national open championship will give them added exposure as they continue to grow in the sport,”
Sports
AACT 2026: Babagirei-Ahmad Assures Visitors of Smooth Visa Processing, Warm Welcome
By Joel Ajayi
With nine days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Visa, Airport Reception and Protocol Committee, Zulaiha Babagirei-Ahmad, has assured participating countries and other visitors of smooth visa processing and a warm reception ahead of the continental women’s golf championship.
Babagirei-Ahmad said preparations were progressing smoothly, with her committee working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a seamless arrival experience for golfers, team officials and other delegates expected in Nigeria.
She noted that the committee was committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere and efficient protocol services that would make the stay of visitors memorable while showcasing Nigeria’s renowned hospitality
With about 30 African countries expected to participate in the championship, the committee is coordinating visa arrangements, airport reception and other logistical requirements to facilitate the arrival and movement of international guests.
According to her, the objective goes beyond ensuring smooth entry into the country, as the committee is determined to make every visitor feel welcome from the moment they arrive in Abuja.
She added that the championship offers Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African nations, promote unity through sport and showcase the country’s capacity to host major international sporting events.
The 2026 edition will be the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy, following the 1996 championship at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 edition at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The tournament is scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, under the slogan, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens.”
With preparations entering the final stretch, Babagirei-Ahmad expressed confidence that the committee would deliver efficient visa coordination, effective airport reception and quality protocol services to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
As the countdown continues, Nigeria is preparing to welcome Africa’s golfing community to Abuja for a championship expected to celebrate sporting excellence, friendship and continental unity.
9 DAYS TO GO!
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA!
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