Sports

Nigerian Navy and NSSF Deepen Collaboration to Develop Shooting Sports Across Nigeria

Published

9 months ago

February 10, 2026

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 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.

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Sports

NSC DG Olopade Applauds FCT’s Move to Develop Gwagwalada Mini Stadium

Published

8 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the planned construction of a mini stadium in Gwagwalada, describing the initiative as a significant boost to sports development in the territory.

Hon. Olopade said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

According to the DG, the proposed Gwagwalada Mini Stadium, when completed, will serve as an important sporting facility during the 2027 African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja, while also providing young athletes in the FCT with access to quality sports infrastructure to nurture their talents.

“As I speak, over 30 contractors have been mobilized to various sites to ensure that sporting facilities and infrastructure are put in place for both our young and elite athletes across the country, Hon, Olopade said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for sports development, noting that the Federal Government had committed over ₦200 billion to the rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“We are more than grateful at the Sports Commission because Mr President has been very supportive of sports like never before. His commitment to spending over ₦200 billion on infrastructure revamp across the country will ensure that indigent children have access to quality facilities to harness their sporting potential,” he added.

The DG emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a critical factor in achieving excellence, noting that the availability and quality of facilities play a major role in athletes’ performance and their ability to secure podium finishes at international competitions.

He described the planned construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium as a welcome development, commending Wike for his continued commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT.

“The construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium by the FCT Minister is a massive welcome development for the Sports Commission. The Minister deserves all the accolades for the good work he has been doing in the FCT, particularly in the area of construction and infrastructure development,” Hon. Olopade said.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of sporting facilities that will support grassroots participation, talent discovery and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

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