Nigeria Triumphs At 14th African, 7th Para Armwrestling Championships

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

History was made at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, as Nigeria emerged overall champions at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship and 7th Para Armwrestling Championship, marking a landmark celebration of strength, unity, and sporting excellence across the continent.

Team Nigeria finished atop the medal table with 28 gold, 35 silver, and 38 bronze medals.

Benin Republic took second with 23 gold, 30 silver, and 11 bronze, while Ghana secured third with 21 gold, 20 silver, and 9 bronze.

Over 20 African nations participated, making this one of the most competitive and widely attended armwrestling events in the continent’s history. For the first time, para-athletes shared the spotlight, as the 7th Para Championship ran simultaneously—drawing massive crowds and international attention.

Africa’s Rise in Armwrestling: A Continental Voice

Charles Ossei Asamoah, President of the Africa Armwrestling Federation, lauded the success of the championship:

“It’s been very fascinating. Nigeria, Benin, Egypt, Mali, Ghana—what we saw here shows Africa is maturing in armwrestling. I believe we have some of the best pullers in the world. It’s only a matter of time before we dominate globally.”

He also confirmed Accra, Ghana as the host of the next edition and shared his ambition for the sport:

 

“We’re working towards building a competition structure that rewards our athletes. I envision a prize fund of $100,000. Sport must become business, and armwrestlers deserve to earn like footballers and athletes do.”

Cameroon: Medals in Every Entry, Eyes Set on Hosting

In an impressive show of efficiency and precision, Cameroon’s athletes secured medals in every single category they entered, despite their limited participation.

President of the Cameroon Armwrestling Federation Julien Boumsong Nokomis expressed pride in their performance:

“Although we are not champions this year, every Cameroonian who competed went home with a medal—gold, silver, or bronze—either in the left or right-hand category. If we had come with full representation across all 70 categories, I’m confident we would be champions.”

He revealed that Cameroon had originally intended to host the 2025 edition:

“Our governor had already agreed, but the final government response came a bit late. Still, we remain hopeful to host in 2028 or 2029, and next time, Cameroon will participate across all categories.”

The Cameroonian official also praised Nigeria’s organization of the event:

“The dinner was excellent, the hospitality top-tier. On a scale of 20, I’d give them 19.5. Very well done.”

A Victory for Nigeria’s Development Agenda

Engineer Samuel Olatunji Jackson, President of the Nigerian Armwrestling Federation, reflected on the success with emotion:

“I’m incredibly proud. This is a moment of breakthrough for our sport in Nigeria. With help from the Sports Commission and dedication from our athletes, we’ve pulled off one of the best championships Africa has seen.”

He also emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to using sports as a development tool:

“We’ve taken young people off the streets. Some have secured jobs or promotions thanks to this sport. Our goal now is to make armwrestling a scoring event at the next National Sports Festival in Enugu.”

Despite battling illness just days before the event, Jackson credited the unwavering Nigerian spirit and the vital role of the media:

“We couldn’t have done this without the press. They’ve supported us for over 10 years, and they made this moment happen.”

LOC Chairman: Presidential Support Made It Happen

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, who also serves as a Senior Special Assistant to the President Honourable Adeboye Adeyinka, credited the Renewed Hope Agenda and the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the championship’s success:

“For the first time in Nigeria, a non-mainstream sport like armwrestling has captured the spotlight—and Nigeria did not disappoint. From the presidency to the media, the support has been overwhelming.”

He added:

“During this event, there were three simultaneous international competitions happening in Abuja. That’s not coincidence—it’s strategic. The Federal Government is intentionally growing sports for youth engagement and national pride.”

He also hinted at bigger ambitions:

“We’re working to host more events in Nigeria. The goal is to not only compete, but to dominate and develop. Our team is already laying groundwork for the future.”

Conclusion: A New Dawn for African Armwrestling

As flags were lowered and champions crowned, it was clear the 14th African and 7th Para Armwrestling Championships were more than sporting events—they were a continental declaration. With Nigeria leading the way, and nations like Cameroon, Benin, and Ghana close behind, Africa’s armwrestling future is powerful, promising, and ready to take on the world.