Sports
Nigeria Unveils 172-Strong Armwrestling Team Ahead of 2025 African Championship in Abuja
In a bold display of readiness and growing momentum, the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation has officially released its 172-member team list for the 14th African Armwrestling Championship, scheduled to hold in Abuja from July 23–27, 2025.
The team, which includes elite male and female pullers, para-athletes, and youth prospects, was unveiled following an intensive national selection process. The athletes are now camped and undergoing final preparations at the TDC Camp in Abuja FCT, which will serve as the official pre-championship training base—signaling the country’s all-in commitment to hosting and dominating the continental showdown.
The announcement comes just 29 days before the championship, as anticipation rises across the grassroots sports community and Africa’s growing armwrestling circuit. Nigeria, a two-time host of the championship, is fielding its largest-ever squad, featuring pullers from all six geopolitical zones—unified by a combination of raw strength, technical finesse, and national pride.
Speaking on the development, Engr. Samuel Jackson, President of the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation (NAWF), described the release of the team as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s preparedness:
“This team reflects the heart of Nigerian sport—resilient, unified, and battle-ready. From seasoned champions to emerging youth talents, we are poised to deliver not just participation, but dominance. The world will feel Nigeria’s strength and spirit at the armwrestling table this July.”
The TDC Camp is already playing a crucial role in fine-tuning the athletes’ performance, improving synergy, and ensuring full readiness ahead of a competition expected to draw over 20 nations from across the continent.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), working in partnership with NAWF, has secured strategic partnerships in logistics, branding, and hospitality—helping to build what is shaping up to be a landmark sports event. Major contributors like Prostar Sports International (official kit partner), as well as key transport, accommodation, and media stakeholders, are already on board.
With the official mascot and competition jersey already unveiled to great fanfare, and now with a record 172-strong team confirmed, Nigeria is setting the stage for a record-breaking and legacy-defining tournament.
Stay tuned as the countdown continues.
ABUJA 2025 is set to be the biggest gathering of armwrestling power Africa has ever seen.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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