In a landmark decision aimed at revitalizing the sport across the nation, the President of the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED), Abdullahi Mohammed, has designated elite archer Kachollom Enyenihi as the federation’s first-ever Women Development Director. The strategic appointment of the decorated athlete marks a historical shift for the governing body as it seeks to formalize and expand female participation in the discipline. Enyenihi, a prominent figure in the continental archery scene, previously garnered international acclaim as a key member of the Nigerian squad that secured silver and bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Archery Africa championships in South Africa and Tunisia.
A member of the Abuja-based Arch Archery Club, Enyenihi’s new mandate focuses on institutionalizing a sustainable pipeline for female talent. Speaking on her primary objectives following the announcement, the new director emphasized the importance of a structured transition from amateur interest to professional mastery. Her strategy involves an aggressive grassroots campaign, targeting young girls within educational institutions and local municipalities, supported by the creation of regional centers of excellence staffed by qualified personnel.
“My plan for female archery in Nigeria is to build a clear pathway from grassroots to elite level by introducing archery to girls in schools and communities, establishing regional training hubs with certified coaches including more female coaches.”
Beyond technical training, Enyenihi’s roadmap includes a robust commercial and administrative framework. She highlighted the necessity of cross-sector collaboration, advocating for a synergy between the federation, government entities, and the private sector to address the prohibitive costs of high-grade equipment and international travel. By fostering these partnerships, the director hopes to offer scholarships and increased global exposure to emerging athletes, effectively removing the socioeconomic barriers that have historically hindered the growth of the sport among Nigerian women.
“Organizing structured female-only and mixed competitions, and securing partnerships with NAFED, corporate sponsors, and government bodies to provide equipment, scholarships, and international exposure; the goal is to remove access barriers, ensure equal representation, and develop confident, high-performing female archers who can compete successfully at national and continental levels while serving as role models for the next generation.”
The federation also announced a broader restructuring of its leadership team to support this new growth phase. Joining Enyenihi in high-level roles are Emmanuel Oyeleke, who takes over as Director of Marketing; Olatayo Olasehinde, appointed as Director of Strategy and ICT; and Akogun Abimbola, who will oversee Grassroots Development. This collective of experienced sports administrators and athletes is expected to drive the Nigeria Archery Federation toward a more prominent position on the global stage as the 2026 sporting calendar unfolds.
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