Sports
Nigerian Navy Marks 70 Years With Thrilling Shooting Championship
Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations were highlighted by an exciting novelty shooting championship that brought together personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Air Force in a landmark inter-service competition.
Speaking at the Nigerian Navy Shooting Novelty Tournament, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, expressed delight at hosting participants, officials, and guests at what he described as a historic event celebrating the Navy’s legacy of professionalism, discipline, and service to the nation.
Represented by the Chief of Administration at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, the Naval Chief noted that the tournament reflects the core values of focus, teamwork, and discipline upheld by the Nigerian Navy, while also promoting unity and sportsmanship among the armed forces.
He extended appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for his support in ensuring the successful hosting of the championship, and also acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation, officials, volunteers, and other stakeholders who made the event possible.
Participants were encouraged to compete in the spirit of fairness, friendship, and excellence as the Navy celebrates seven decades of service to the nation.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF), Commodore Shettima Shagir, described the tournament as a historic milestone for both the Armed Forces and the development of shooting sports in Nigeria.
He commended Vice Admiral Idi Abbas for approving the inclusion of shooting sports in the anniversary lineup, describing the decision as a significant step that made the event possible.
“Your approval of shooting sports as part of the Navy’s 70th anniversary activities made this historic event possible. The Nigerian Navy will not celebrate another 70th anniversary, and this is also the first shooting competition involving all three military services,” he said.
Shagir praised the Naval Chief for fostering unity, professionalism, and excellence by bringing together personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force in a healthy competitive environment. He also applauded Vice Admiral Abbas for demonstrating impressive marksmanship during the event, noting that he successfully hit five targets with five shots.
According to him, the performance set a high standard for participants and reflected strong leadership and sportsmanship.
He further expressed optimism that the championship would encourage greater participation of military personnel in shooting sports and improve Nigeria’s representation at international competitions. He noted that shooting sports globally are largely dominated by military professionals, many of whom have gone on to become Olympic medalists.
“Around the world, shooting sports are largely dominated by military personnel. Beyond competition, it also serves as recreation, professional training, and even hunting practice,” he said.
Shagir also highlighted the potential of retired military gunnery instructors and weapons specialists to support the federation as coaches, armourers, and technical officials, noting that the NSSF currently faces shortages in these areas.
He expressed the federation’s readiness to integrate trained personnel from the armed forces into various technical and coaching roles.
The tournament featured Air Rifle and Air Pistol events, with male and female participants drawn from the three services.
The Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the National Sports Commission, and members of the Navy’s 70th Anniversary Organising Committee for the successful hosting of the event.
Special recognition was given to Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel for his presence and support.
The federation expressed optimism that the championship would serve as a foundation for sustained military involvement in shooting sports and stronger representation in future international competitions.
Sports
NHF President Nkom, Prof. Agbo Attend 50th FIH Congress in Doha
Cyril Ogar
President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, and NHF Board Member, Professor Ediga Agbo, are representing Nigeria at the landmark 50th Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Doha, Qatar.
The congress brings together hockey leaders and administrators from across the world to deliberate on governance, policy direction and strategies for the future development of the sport.
Their participation provides Nigeria with an opportunity to engage with international stakeholders, exchange ideas and explore initiatives that can strengthen the growth and administration of hockey in the country.
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Nkom said, “Our participation in this historic congress is an opportunity to learn from global best practices, build strategic relationships and identify initiatives that can contribute to the sustainable development of hockey in Nigeria.”
Agbo also emphasised the importance of translating international engagements into practical progress at home, saying, “The ultimate goal is to ensure that the knowledge and opportunities gained from this congress contribute meaningfully to the development of hockey in Nigeria, particularly in strengthening our structures and creating more opportunities for growth.”
The 50th FIH Congress marks a significant milestone for the international governing body, providing a platform for discussions and decisions that will shape the future of hockey globally.
For Nigeria, the engagement underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing the sport, strengthening its administration and creating a sustainable pathway for hockey development across the country.
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