Archers from Five Countries to Compete in Lagos This Week

Archers from Nigeria, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire and Chad will gather in Lagos this week for the 2026 Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament. This event is quickly becoming one of the top sports events in West Africa.

The tournament is organized by Zen Archery Club in partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC). It will take place from 18 to 21 June at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.

Now in its third year, the competition has more than doubled its international participation. It grew from two countries in 2025 to five in 2026.

What started in 2025 as Nigeria’s first international open archery event with around 100 athletes from 16 clubs has grown into a bigger platform for competition and collaboration.

Aderonke Aderinoye, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the growth shows rising interest in archery across Africa.

“Every edition of this tournament has been a statement about what is possible when African archery nations choose to compete together rather than apart,” Ms Aderinoye said.

“Going from two countries to five in a single year shows us the appetite is there. Our job now is to build the kind of infrastructure and experience that makes archers want to keep coming back to Lagos.”

Emmanuel Oyeleke, founder of Zen Archery, said the competition has become more than just a sporting event.

“What we are building in Lagos is bigger than a competition,” he said.

“It is a platform for talent discovery, youth development, and proof that Nigeria can host world-class sport on its own soil.”

Lagos Supports Growing Sport

The Lagos State Sports Commission says the tournament fits into its wider plan for sports development, especially in engaging youth and finding talent.

Lekan Fatodu, the commission's Director-General, said archery offers benefits beyond just competition.

“The power of sports like archery in providing physical stability, mental growth, focus and discipline for young people is remarkable,” Mr Fatodu said.

He added that archery should not be ignored in talks about sports development.

“There are many sports beyond football and boxing that deliver life skills and personal development. Archery is one of them, and it is here to stay in Lagos.”

Mr Fatodu also stressed the importance of partnerships for sports growth. He noted that the tournament shows good teamwork between the government and private organizers.

Sport, Tourism and Business

Mr Fatodu mentioned that the competition also helps boost Lagos’ sports tourism.

“Athletes are coming into Lagos from different countries, many for the first time. They return as ambassadors of the state,” he said.

He also pointed out that sporting events create chances for small businesses.

“Around events like this, small traders and service providers benefit. It creates a value chain that supports entrepreneurship and local business.”

Competition Format

For the second year in a row, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena will host the tournament. This venue can hold 10,000 people and has a strong sporting history.

Events will take place across eight categories, including Recurve, Compound and Barebow divisions for both men and women. There will also be Under-18 Barebow and Recurve categories. Both individual and team events will be included.

As an Open Tournament, athletes compete as individuals or club representatives instead of under national flags. Clubs can register multiple participants in each category. This format is meant to encourage more participation and grassroots development.

From National Debut to Continental Fixture

The 2025 edition was a breakthrough for archery in Nigeria, attracting international attention and a visit from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who took part in a demonstration session.

That year also saw the launch of the Zen Archery Foundation, a non-profit focused on grassroots coaching, access to equipment, and youth development.

Building on that foundation, organizers say the 2026 edition aims to make Lagos a regular hub for African archery and a future candidate for World Archery accreditation.

Plans are also in the works for athlete exchange programs and training partnerships with the participating countries.