Nigeria delivered a commanding performance at the first-ever Run Archery Tournament in Africa, making a bold statement on the continental stage and showcasing the nation’s growing strength in this exciting new sport.
The historic competition, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan on the 15th and 16th, brought together athletes from across West Africa for a high-energy display of endurance, precision and speed. Nigeria’s representatives from Zen Archery Club, Lagos emerged as the standout performers of the weekend.
In the Individual Sprint, Emmanuel Oyeleke executed a stunning performance, combining explosive running with razor-sharp accuracy to claim the Gold Medal for Nigeria. Close behind him was teammate Tola Adebayo-Lateef, who delivered an equally impressive race to secure the Silver Medal.
Obo Cedric of Côte d’Ivoire completed the podium with a strong finish, taking the Bronze Medal for the host nation.
Nigeria’s success continued in the Team Relay Sprint, where Oyeleke and Tola teamed up to deliver a flawless and coordinated performance, outrunning and outshooting their rivals to bring home another Gold Medal for Nigeria. Their synergy, discipline, and competitive spirit were undeniable as they powered through the course with precision.
This remarkable outing signals a major milestone, as the Abidjan tournament marks the first official Run Archery event ever held on African soil. With this achievement, Nigeria has positioned itself as a pioneering force in the sport’s development on the continent.
Speaking after the races, the athletes expressed pride and gratitude:
“This is a historic moment not just for us, but for Nigeria and African archery. We’re honoured to carry the flag and show what is possible, we thank the organisers the Ivorian Archery Federation for the opportunity, we thank World Archery and facilitators of the seminar and competition, we have learnt a lot” said Oyeleke.
Run Archery, a dynamic hybrid sport combining competitive running with archery marksmanship is rapidly expanding globally, and Nigeria’s medal sweep in Abidjan highlights the country’s potential to lead in Africa.
With these victories, Nigeria and Zen Archery have ignited excitement, and will inspire new athletes, and set the stage for the sport’s accelerated growth at home.
A golden weekend for Archery in Nigeria — and a powerful beginning for African Run Archery.
About the Author
