NOC Pledges Key Support for African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja

With just nine days to go until the much-anticipated 14th African Armwrestling Championship and 7th African Para-Armwrestling Championship kick off in Abuja on July 23, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has pledged critical financial support to bolster preparations and ensure a world-class event.

NOC President and Treasurer of Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Engr. Habu Gumel confirmed the commitment over the weekend, underscoring the Committee’s dedication to nurturing non-traditional sports and elevating Nigeria’s profile on the continental sporting stage.

“We are proud to support the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation, the Local Organizing Committee, and the National Sports Commission in delivering a successful championship. This event is a testament to the growing strength of African sport,” Gumel stated.

Backing Excellence: Infrastructure, Media, and Athlete Welfare

The NOC’s financial intervention is expected to accelerate core aspects of tournament delivery, including athlete welfare, infrastructure, logistics, and media production.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, praised the NOC’s timely support:

“With the NOC’s backing, we’re not just hosting—we’re staging excellence,” Adeboye said.

“This support is a game-changer for us. It strengthens our capabilities in key areas like broadcasting, digital coverage, infrastructure upgrades, and athlete support services. We now have the platform to deliver a championship Africa will be proud of.”

Event Scope and Media Vision

Over 400 athletes and officials from 24 African nations are expected to converge on Abuja for the championship, which will feature elite contests in both able-bodied and para-armwrestling categories.

The NOC’s investment will directly impact media operations, including:

Live streaming of all matches State-of-the-art press facilities Enhanced graphics and match statistics On-site interviews and feature storytelling

These elements are designed to give the tournament unprecedented visibility and engagement across the continent and beyond.

Abuja in the Continental Spotlight

This year’s championship marks a historic milestone for Nigeria, positioning Abuja as one of the few African cities to host an international armwrestling event with direct Olympic committee support.

Backed by key stakeholders including the African Armwrestling Federation (AFA), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the Nigerian Navy, Abuja 2025 is shaping up to be the most sophisticated and widely covered armwrestling event in African history.

“This is more than just sport—it’s a statement of our readiness to lead in sports innovation and inclusivity across Africa,” Adeboye added.

Countdown to Abuja 2025 Begins

With the official opening ceremony just days away, anticipation continues to build among fans, athletes, and officials. The momentum surrounding the event reflects a broader ambition—to establish Nigeria as a major force in African sports hosting and development.

As the countdown intensifies, Abuja 2025 is poised not only to crown new champions but to set a new benchmark for excellence in African armwrestling.