Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria’s record-breaking performance at the 15th African Archery Championships in Oran, Algeria, has been widely celebrated as a defining moment for the country’s growing presence in the sport. Yet, behind the historic seven-medal haul lies a story of resilience, sacrifice and missed opportunities.
One of Team Nigeria’s leading archers, Damilola Bartholomew Sholademi, has revealed that inadequate preparation and limited access to world-class facilities prevented the team from achieving an even greater feat at the continental championship.
Despite the challenges, Nigeria returned home with one gold medal, five silver medals and one bronze medal, the country’s best-ever performance at the African Archery Championships and a major milestone in the history of Nigerian archery.
Nigeria’s Historic Campaign
The Nigerian contingent travelled to Oran with its largest-ever delegation to the African Championships, competing across multiple categories against some of Africa’s strongest archery nations.
The team’s biggest achievement came in the barebow women’s team event, where Faith Adekogbe, Mandu Eteidung and Precious Fanny-Amun defeated hosts Algeria to secure Nigeria’s first-ever continental team gold medal.
Nigeria also collected silver medals in several events, including the men’s compound team, compound mixed team, barebow men’s team, barebow women’s individual and mixed barebow competition, while Yvonne Hareke Evans-Uhegbu claimed bronze in the women’s compound event.
The seven-medal haul surpassed every previous Nigerian performance at the continental championships and highlighted the rapid growth of the sport in the country.
Sholademi Reflects on Missed Opportunities
While celebrating the achievement, Sholademi admitted the team could have produced an even more remarkable performance under better circumstances.
According to him, Nigerian archers continue to face significant obstacles before major international competitions, including inadequate funding, limited access to modern equipment and insufficient international exposure.
He explained that the athletes often prepare with equipment that falls below international standards, making it difficult to compete consistently against countries with stronger support systems.
Despite those limitations, he praised his teammates for their determination throughout the competition, describing the seven medals as evidence that Nigerian archers can compete with Africa’s best when given the opportunity.
Mental Strength Proved Crucial
Sholademi noted that the tournament tested not only technical ability but also mental resilience.
Competing away from home against experienced opponents required discipline and confidence, especially in medal matches where every arrow carried enormous pressure.
He said the athletes remained focused despite difficult conditions, believing that their preparation and teamwork would keep them competitive throughout the championship.
Although some finals ended in narrow defeats, he insisted the experience gained would prove valuable as Nigeria prepares for future continental and global competitions.
Compound Team Falls Short in Final
Sholademi was part of Nigeria’s compound men’s team alongside Seun Emmanuel Oyeleke and Aliyu Abubakar.
The trio impressed during the competition, defeating Algeria in the semi-finals before advancing to the gold medal match.
However, they eventually lost to Mauritius, led by multiple-time African champion Adrien Charoux, settling for a silver medal after an impressive campaign.
While disappointed not to win gold, Sholademi described the result as another important step in Nigeria’s steady progress.
Growing Reputation of Nigerian Archery
The performance in Algeria reflects years of gradual improvement by the Nigeria Archery Federation.
In recent seasons, Nigerian archers have consistently earned medals at continental competitions while expanding participation in both barebow and compound disciplines.
The federation believes the latest achievement demonstrates that the country is becoming one of Africa’s emerging forces in archery.
Officials have also expressed optimism that stronger investment could transform Nigeria into a regular contender at world-level competitions.
Federation Calls for Greater Investment
Following the championship, officials renewed their appeal to government agencies, private companies and corporate sponsors to invest in the sport.
The federation argued that many athletes personally finance aspects of their preparation, equipment and travel, placing them at a disadvantage compared to competitors from better-funded nations.
It said improved sponsorship would enable athletes to attend more international competitions, acquire modern equipment and participate in high-performance training camps.
Officials believe such support would significantly improve Nigeria’s chances of winning more continental titles and qualifying for future Olympic competitions.
Building Towards Future Success
For Sholademi, the record medal haul should not be viewed as the team’s final destination but rather the beginning of a new chapter.
He believes Nigeria now has enough talented athletes capable of competing consistently for medals, provided they receive sustained technical and financial support.
The experience gained in Algeria, he added, will strengthen the team’s confidence heading into future African Championships, African Games and Olympic qualification tournaments.
He also encouraged young Nigerians to embrace archery, describing the sport as one that rewards patience, discipline and determination.
A Turning Point for Nigerian Sport
Nigeria’s seven-medal performance has already been described as one of the country’s greatest achievements in archery.
Beyond the medals, the championship showcased the growing quality of Nigerian athletes and the increasing competitiveness of the national programme.
For many observers, Sholademi’s reflections also highlight an important reality: while talent exists in abundance, sustained investment remains essential if Nigeria is to compete consistently with the world’s leading archery nations.
If the lessons from Oran are matched by stronger institutional support, the country’s historic seven-medal haul may become only the beginning of an even more successful era for Nigerian archery.
Sources: World Archery, Punch Sports.
