Leadership Crisis Hampering Progress of Nigerian Archers

The leadership crisis within the Nigeria Archery Federation is hindering athletes from competing internationally. Despite successes, bureaucratic challenges, alleged electoral manipulations, and lack of grassroots development limit opportunities for Nigerian archers. Critics emphasize the need for a complete leadership overhaul to restore integrity and support in the sport.

Damilola Sholademi, a member of the Nigerian National Archery Team and USA Archery Indoor National Champion, faces significant challenges due to bureaucratic struggles within the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED). Despite earning 14 medals in individual competitions, Sholademi cannot compete internationally for Nigeria because the federation is not in good standing; formal representation is obstructed by administrative chaos.

The leadership crisis revolves around NAFED President, Mohammed Abdullahi, who has held his position for nearly a decade amidst calls for his resignation. Allegations of electoral manipulations suggest that congresses have been conducted in a manner that limits participation and secures desired outcomes for the current leadership. Abdullahi, however, claims that his administration has been pivotal in establishing Nigeria’s archery structure.

Abdullahi defended the electoral process, stating that quorum was achieved for elections, despite a boycott from certain states. He cites the progress made under his leadership, including international support for archery development. Conversely, former NAFED Secretary Olugbenga Boluji has consistently highlighted irregularities, alleging that venue changes favored selective participation and led to the annulment of the election results by World Archery.

Critics of NAFED have noted a lack of an active governing board; NAFED’s constitution calls for oversight in reconstitution, yet this has not been followed. These concerns are compounded by reports of delegates with no archery backgrounds influencing crucial decisions. Additionally, the absence of grassroots development poses a considerable challenge, as initiatives are severely concentrated in the Federal Capital Territory.

Financial support for athletes is another pressing issue, resulting in many Nigerian archers funding their own competition participation, which ultimately affects Nigeria’s international competitiveness. World Archery has responded by refusing to acknowledge the outcomes of NAFED’s recent congress due to electoral discrepancies, advocating for a more transparent electoral process.

A roadmap for resolving the leadership crisis includes overseeing a general assembly in 2025, where a vote of confidence on Abdullahi’s leadership will occur. However, stakeholders express concern that these meetings may reinforce current leadership rather than address ongoing conflicts. Many advocate for a complete leadership change to ensure integrity in the sport, emphasizing that the existing system cannot rectify the issues it created.

For athletes like Sholademi, who ranks seventh in Africa and holds numerous national titles, the current bureaucratic turmoil threatens their competitive futures. The upcoming congress under the supervision of the Nigerian Olympic Committee raises questions about the impartiality of the proceedings. The overarching sentiment among athletes is a plea for a supportive system that can harness their talents and foster competitive opportunities.

The ongoing leadership crisis within the Nigeria Archery Federation has severely hampered the prospects of Nigerian archers, obstructing them from competing internationally and receiving necessary support. With allegations of electoral malpractices, lack of grassroots development, and claims of neglect by the current leadership, the future of archery in Nigeria remains uncertain. Effective reforms and a genuine commitment to the sport’s development are essential to ensure that talented athletes like Damilola Sholademi can shine on the global stage.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com