The Nigeria Shooting Federation, NSF, has unveiled a roadmap to popularizing shooting sports across Nigeria through sustained grassroots engagement, regional tournaments and a national championship.
President of the federation, Muhammed Shettima, said this at the closing of the maiden South-East Regional Shooting Competition in Umuahia.
The event which included seminars and shooting activities was categorized into the following Mixed Doubles Pistol, Mixed Doubles Rifle, and Para Pistol competitions,
The NSF President said that the initiative would focus on demystify shooting sport and bringing it closer to Nigerians.
“I want to say once again that this is first of many to follow because we want to make shooting not only a popular sport in Nigeria, but a profitable sport.
“We want to make shooting the kind of sport that you would want to devote your time and resources to learn it and make Nigeria proud.
“We only speak of football mostly in Nigeria, but there are other games, and all they need is that little attention, little support, and little push from each and every one of us,” he said.
He said that the sport was often misunderstood as dangerous, stressing that it was a regulated competitive sport similar to archery with strong prospects for youth development and job creation.
According to him, the federation would build on the success of the South-East competition by organizing similar tournaments in other geopolitical zones in the country.
Shettima explained that the regional tournaments would culminate into a national championship, where outstanding athletes would be selected and groomed for continental and international competitions.
“Definitely, you will see more regional shooting competition because the moment we have the first Southeast Regional Tournament, it means there will be South-South.
”There will be South-West, and there will be North-West.
“After we are able to comb through the length and breadth of the country on regional basis, we will now have a national tournament and at that national tournament, we will select the best shots and escalate them to the continent.
“That way, we will reach the peak of shooting in the world.”
He noted that the approach aligned with grassroots sports development of the Federal Government, adding that it would give talented youths the opportunity to discover and develop their skills.
The NSF president commended Gov. Alex Otti of Abia for supporting the hosting of the maiden regional competition, describing the state as having set the pace for the growth of shooting sports in Nigeria.
In his remark, the Director of Sports in Abia, Obioma George, expressed satisfaction with the state’s performance at the competition, describing Abia’s embrace of the sport as timely and rewarding.
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George said that Abia led the medals table with both para-athletes and able-bodied competitors, exceeding expectations.
He assured NSF and others that plans were underway to host an internal state shooting championship to sustain interest and talent development.
George attributed the progress to state government’s commitment to sports, describing shooting as cost-effective with reusable equipment
He reaffirmed the state’s resolve to build on the competition’s success and enhancing opportunities for youths nationwide.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Jane Maxwell-Igwe, urged athletes to view the competition as a foundation for greater achievements, and to remain focused in their pursuits.
Maxwell-Igwe commended all organizers and wished the participants continued success in future competitions and sporting endeavors.
Earlier, the Lead Shooting Coach for the tournament, Adoyi Elaochi, described the competition as a standard 10-metre air pistol and rifle event aimed at promoting shooting sports in Nigeria.
Elaochi explained that each participant fired 60 shots in line with international regulations and praised Abia for setting a strong example in developing the sport.
Elaochi noted that shooting offers numerous Olympic medal opportunities, highlighting Nigeria’s past participation.
He stressed the need for sustained investment to develop the sport nationwide.
Abia athlete, Esther Ejim, expressed optimism of building a career in shooting sport, saying the event had provided her with a platform to showcase her talent and skills.
Ejim, who won a gold medal in the pistol category, noted that the event was easier than previous contests and vowed to continue to develop her skills.
”I aim to compete successfully at national and international levels.”
Also, a physically challenged athlete who won a silver medal in the event’s para-shooting competition, Iheanacho Ohaeri, expressed gratitude to God for his success.
Ohaeri said that he planned to continue in the sport, noting that with proper equipment and training, he and other physically challenged athletes could achieve even better results.
NAN reports that Abia emerged overall winner at the championship, having won a total of six medals across various events.
The state clinched four golds, one silver, and one bronze in the Mixed Doubles Pistol, Mixed Doubles Rifle, and Para Pistol competitions, highlighting its dominance at the championship.
Enugu State followed with six medals, comprising one gold, four silver and one bronze, while Imo won four medals – one silver and three bronze.
Anambra secured one bronze medal at the competition.
NAN
