Sports
Nigerian Navy and NSSF Deepen Collaboration to Develop Shooting Sports Across Nigeria
Joel Ajayi
In a renewed effort to reposition shooting sports and expand its reach nationwide, the National Shooting Sports Federation of Nigeria (NSSF) has sought for a strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security institutions to develop the sport across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
As part of this initiative, the leadership of the NSSF paid a courtesy visit to the Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in Abuja, with discussions focused on structured development, wider participation and capacity building in shooting sports.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of Nigeria is Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Administration, Rear Admiral J. N. Mamman, expressed confidence in the potential of shooting sports and commended the leadership of the Federation for its vision.
Rear Admiral Mamman emphasised that sports play a vital role in physical fitness and mental stability, especially for men and women in uniform who require a high level of alertness, discipline and emotional control.
He noted the overwhelming interest generated by the engagement, pointing out that representatives from various naval departments were in attendance, all eager to be part of the shooting sports community.
The Naval Chief encouraged the Federation to provide opportunities for corporate and institutional membership, noting that many personnel were willing to enroll and participate actively in training and competitions.
Earlier, the President of the National Shooting Sports Federation of Nigeria, Commodore Muhammed Shettima (rtd), reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Navy and other security and paramilitary agencies to strengthen shooting sports development nationwide.
According to him, the collaboration is aimed at creating synergy between the shooting sports community and the armed forces, whose professional training naturally aligns with the sport.
Commodore Shettima explained that shooting sports in Nigeria began in 1976 with the establishment of the Nigerian Shooting Association, which later evolved into the National Shooting Sports Federation of Nigeria in line with international best practices and the regulations of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
He disclosed that the Federation’s board comprises representatives from the six geopolitical zones, athlete representatives, as well as a special representative for the armed forces and paramilitary agencies, reflecting the unique nature of the sport.
The NSSF president stated that the Federation is responsible for identifying, training and developing shooting sports enthusiasts across the country through structured programmes that meet international standards. These programmes involve licensed sporting weapons, including air weapons for competitive shooting and 12-gauge pump-action shotguns approved for hunting and sporting purposes in Nigeria.
“As the custodian of shooting sports in Nigeria, it has become necessary to recalibrate our operations by deepening engagement with the armed forces and paramilitary agencies, whose personnel already possess foundational shooting skills,” Shettima said.
He cited global examples, including military athletes from Türkiye who have successfully represented their country at the Olympic Games, noting that Nigeria could achieve similar success by integrating trained security personnel into competitive shooting sports.
Commodore Shettima added that the collaboration would also enhance the welfare of retired military personnel, as experienced firearms instructors and armoury experts could be engaged as coaches, instructors and technical officials within the Federation.
He expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the Federation and described the visit as the beginning of a series of engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation, building capacity and taking shooting sports to all six geopolitical zones.
Sports
NSC Begins Preparations for Africa School Games 2027 with Committee Inauguration in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), has officially launched a 28-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the second Africa School Games. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2027.
Nigeria was unanimously selected to host the 2027 continental School Games following the successful conclusion of the inaugural edition in Algiers, Algeria, last year.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja yesterday, Mr Dikko reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to staging a memorable event that will resonate across the African continent.
He stated: “Nigeria has been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the second Africa School Games in 2027. This is not merely another sporting event; it represents a continental gathering that places our young people at the very heart of Africa’s future.”
Mr Dikko emphasised the broader significance of the games, extending beyond mere athletic achievement: “By inaugurating the Local Organising Committee today, we are taking the first formal step in transforming this opportunity into a success story that Africa will remember. The Africa School Games are about more than medals and trophies; they embody discipline, character, friendship, and hope. They bring together young Africans to compete, learn, and grow together, both on and off the pitch.”
He further highlighted the long-term investment in youth development: “When we invest in school sports, we are investing early, wisely, and sustainably in our national and continental development. For Nigeria, hosting these games is a statement. It declares our belief in grassroots sports, our conviction that education and sports must work hand-in-hand, and our readiness to play our part in shaping the next generation of African leaders, be it in sports or other fields.”
Mr Dikko also detailed domestic initiatives: “On the home front, the National Sports Commission is already taking deliberate steps to strengthen the synergy between schools and our sports system. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, we have established a joint education sports committee to ensure that sports is properly embedded within our educational framework. Through this platform, we are aligning schools, curricula, talent identification, competitions, and welfare structures to promote early participation, inclusiveness, and sustainable athlete development. Our objective is simple and clear: every child should have the opportunity to discover and develop their sporting potential through education in a structured and supportive environment.”
He concluded by addressing the newly appointed committee: “Therefore, hosting the Africa School Games fits squarely into a broader national agenda, one that utilises schools as a foundation for a strong, future-ready sports ecosystem in Nigeria, and indeed aligns with our framework at the National Sports Commission. To the members of the Local Organising Committee, I congratulate you on your appointment. You have been entrusted with a serious national assignment. Your work will demand meticulous planning, coordination, transparency, and teamwork. The National Sports Commission will provide all necessary support, but we also expect professionalism, accountability, and results. Let me assure our African partners and stakeholders that Nigeria is fully committed to delivering games that meet international standards. It will be a safe, well-organised, inclusive, and memorable event.”
The committee, chaired by Mr Lekan Alabi with Abdulmumuni Shagaya serving as secretary, is tasked with ensuring the delivery of an exceptional event.
Other key members of the LOC include Barr. Musa Amadu (Deputy Chairman), Dr Ibrahim Abdul (Nigeria Olympic Committee), Sabina Chikere (National Institute For Sports), Arc. Adamu Tanimu, Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, Lydia Gbagi (School Sports Federation), Olukunle Olu-Young (School Sports Federation), Dr Ameh Rachael Odachi (School Sports Federation), Victor Onagame, Farouk Yamei, Chichi Nwoko, Ebidawei Oweife, Amaka Ashiofu, Olalekan Alabi, Tunde Adeluola, Jude Ayandofu, Lanre Ogunjobi, Aisha Shuaibu, and Kola-Daniel Adeyanju.
Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa School Games in Algeria, earning a total of 25 medals (six gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze), finishing behind host nation Algeria and Egypt, who claimed first and second place respectively.
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