Top echelon of the Nigerian Army have gained accolades and international recognition for their various sponsorship contributions to the development of archery and providing modern facilities for the sport.
Sports247 reports that the shower of praise came from the president of Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED), Mohammed Baba Abdullahi and his superior officer from Africa’s continental body, Ahmed Tarik Amiry.
They both also heaped accolades on officers of the army for leading by example with their active participation in major competitions at home and abroad, which has seen them win a haul of medals for Nigeria in recent years.
In response to the plaudits, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu said the force is strengthening its partnership with World Archery Africa and NAFED to advance sports development, reinforce civil-military relations and enhance Nigeria’s impact in international competitions.
Shaibu added that the partnership seeks to improve physical readiness, technical capacity and Nigeria’s ability to host major archery events, which he said was boosted by the joint-delegation’s visit to his office at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS further highlighted how the sport aligns with military values like marksmanship, focus and discipline, then directed that preparations should begin for the African Indoor Archery Championship at the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery.
On his part, NAFED’s president commended the force for constructing what he described as Africa’s first standard archery pitch within a military formation, while also noting that the army’s archers won all of Nigeria’s medals at the recent African Championship.
In the same vein, the continental head, Amiry, praised the Nigerian Army’s sponsorship efforts, provision of facilities and hospitality, then appealed for their support in hosting Africa’s inaugural Indoor Archery Championship.
