A leadership crisis within the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) is severely impeding the aspirations of Nigerian archers, preventing international competition and hindering development. Allegations of electoral manipulation besiege NAFED President Mohammed Abdullahi, while critics call for transparency and governance reforms. The upcoming 2025 General Assembly aims to address these concerns, yet skepticism remains regarding the integrity of the electoral process and the future of the sport.
Damilola Sholademi, a member of the Nigerian National Archery Team and USA Archery Indoor National Champion, faces significant barriers due to bureaucratic chaos within the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED). His complaint reflects a larger issue: Nigeria’s lack of standing on the World Archery website prevents participation in international competitions, despite an impressive performance where he earned 14 medals in a single year.
The governance crisis in Nigerian archery revolves around NAFED President Mohammed Abdullahi, who has held his post for nearly ten years amid allegations of electoral manipulation. Critics argue that controlled congresses in Abuja limit participation, while Abdullahi contends his leadership has built the sport from nothing since 2016, claiming legitimate elections despite dissent.
Further turmoil arises from the World Archery’s annulment of NAFED’s election results due to procedural inconsistencies. While Abdullahi defends his record, former NAFED Secretary Olugbenga Boluji insists on electoral irregularities and a lack of oversight, suggesting appointments of unqualified delegates compromised governance.
Grassroots development of the sport has stagnated, with archery thriving mainly in the Federal Capital Territory and absent in other states. Boluji also points out the federation’s failure to include archery in national sports festivals, alleging Abdullahi prioritizes personal interests over sport development, particularly during critical moments like championships.
World Archery’s interventions, including the rejection of NAFED’s March 2024 election results, underline the seriousness of the crisis, calling for a transparent electoral process overseen by the Nigeria Olympic Committee. A roadmap for resolution has been proposed, predicting an assembly in 2025 to vote on the current leadership, with stakeholders voicing skepticism regarding the outcome.
The upcoming Annual General Meeting on 10 March 2025 aims to address these pressing issues; however, many stakeholders suspect it may reinforce the existing leadership rather than resolve conflicts. Sholademi’s sentiment resonates deeply among athletes, who seek a clear path forward amidst uncertainty. As he stated, “we have the talent. We just need the system to work for us.”
In summary, Nigeria’s archers face a leadership crisis marked by allegations of electoral manipulation and lack of governance within NAFED, hindering their international competition aspirations. The prolonged tenure of President Abdullahi has drawn criticism, while grassroots development continues to lag. Stakeholders express the need for fresh leadership and transparent processes, emphasizing that only a comprehensive overhaul can restore the integrity and potential of Nigerian archery. Damilola Sholademi’s experiences highlight the urgency of addressing these issues to enable talented athletes to thrive on the global stage.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
