Nigerian archers face significant hurdles due to a leadership crisis within the Nigeria Archery Federation, hindering international competition opportunities. President Mohammed Abdullahi’s long tenure is criticized for alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency in elections. Financial constraints further impact athlete participation, while World Archery calls for reforms to ensure legitimacy in governance. The upcoming 2025 Annual General Meeting may be crucial for addressing these persistent issues and determining the future of archery in Nigeria.
Damilola Sholademi, a prominent member of the Nigerian National Archery Team and USA Archery Indoor National Champion, expresses his concerns regarding Nigeria’s participation in international archery events due to bureaucratic obstacles. Despite his impressive achievements, including 14 medals in the past year, he is unable to represent Nigeria at major competitions because of administrative issues within the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED).
The leadership crisis at NAFED, primarily involving President Mohammed Abdullahi, who has been in office for nearly ten years, has created a significant barrier for archer representation. Sholademi highlights that Nigeria’s status in global archery is compromised, as the country currently does not stand in good stead with World Archery due to ongoing governance disputes.
President Abdullahi defends his tenure, asserting that he has established a foundational structure for archery in Nigeria. He contends that previous administrations had left no framework for the sport, claiming that his leadership has led to substantial progress, including the receipt of equipment and support from World Archery. While Abdullahi acknowledges some criticisms, he disputes claims of electoral manipulations within NAFED.
Former Secretary Olugbenga Boluji challenges Abdullahi’s assertions, alleging mismanagement and insubstantial oversight in NAFED’s operations. He insists the federation’s electoral process lacks transparency, pointing out that inadequate governing structures allow for unchecked power. Boluji’s accusations extend to the appointment of individuals unfamiliar with archery as voting delegates, questioning the validity of the elections held under Abdullahi.
Financial constraints have also impeded Nigeria’s archers, with many athletes funding their international competition costs independently. As a result, the administration’s focus on grassroots development is criticized for being insufficient as the sport remains predominantly centralized in the Federal Capital Territory.
In light of these issues, World Archery has rejected the legitimacy of NAFED’s recent elections, advocating for an independent electoral process overseen by the Nigeria Olympic Committee. A roadmap for resolving the governance crisis has been outlined, which includes a provisional acceptance of the election results until a proper assembly can be convened.
The upcoming 2025 Annual General Meeting, scheduled for March, is viewed with skepticism by stakeholders who fear it may serve merely to confirm Abdullahi’s leadership rather than address the underlying issues. As Nigerian archers like Sholademi face a future constrained by leadership disputes, the need for systemic reform in governance is increasingly highlighted. The ongoing turmoil creates uncertainty about their competition prospects and the sport’s developmental future in Nigeria.
The leadership crisis within the Nigeria Archery Federation poses significant challenges for Nigerian archers, impeding their ability to compete internationally and develop the sport. With calls for reform and transparency growing louder, the future of archery in Nigeria hinges on addressing governance issues and ensuring fair representation within the federation. The upcoming decisions made by NAFED and the involvement of the Nigeria Olympic Committee will be critical to restoring integrity and progress in Nigerian archery.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
