The article discusses the leadership crisis within the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED) that is obstructing the aspirations of Nigerian archers, particularly illustrated through the experiences of champion Damilola Sholademi. Issues include alleged electoral manipulation, lack of proper governance, and insufficient development of the sport. Despite gradual progress, athletes face considerable challenges due to bureaucratic failures, and demands for a leadership overhaul are growing louder among stakeholders.
Damilola Sholademi, a member of the Nigerian National Archery Team and a USA Archery Indoor National Champion, faces significant barriers due to bureaucratic challenges within the Nigeria Archery Federation (NAFED). His achievements, including 14 medals over the past year, are overshadowed by the federation’s inability to facilitate international competition due to administrative turmoil.
Sholademi expressed his dismay, noting, “We can’t compete internationally now… Nigeria is not in good standing.” His frustration resonates with the broader crisis affecting the sport’s governance, central to which is NAFED President Mohammed Abdullahi, whose prolonged leadership faces allegations of electoral manipulations aimed at maintaining power.
Critics argue that Abdullahi’s administration has not only ignored calls for leadership changes but has also perpetuated a crisis that undermines archery’s development in Nigeria. Abdullahi counters these claims by asserting that his leadership has significantly improved the sport, stating, “My predecessors tried their best… when we came in 2016, there was no single archery club… we built a structure on the ground.”
Former NAFED Secretary Olugbenga Boluji has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, alleging that critical decisions are made without proper oversight, which has led to claims of delegitimization of the elections. The World Archery organization echoed these concerns, indicating that the results of the March 2024 election will not be acknowledged due to procedural inconsistencies.
Amid ongoing turmoil, a proposed roadmap has emerged, mandating an election overseen by World Archery and setting a timeline for a general assembly in 2025 to either express confidence in the current leadership or proceed with new elections. Concerns remain, however, about whether the upcoming Annual General Meeting will genuinely address stakeholders’ grievances or merely entrench existing leadership.
As Sholademi and his fellow athletes navigate this crisis, they remain hopeful yet realistic about the future. He lamented the lack of international competition opportunities, stating, “You can’t be a judge in your own matter,” referring to the potential conflicts of interest present in the current governance structure. Sholademi concluded, “We have the talent. We just need the system to work for us.”
The leadership crisis within NAFED is severely hindering Nigerian archers’ ability to compete internationally and thrive. With allegations of electoral manipulation and poor governance, athletes like Damilola Sholademi are left without opportunities to pursue their dreams. For the sport’s future, stakeholders call for a complete overhaul of leadership, emphasizing the need for transparent processes and grassroots development to ensure that aspiring archers receive the support they need to succeed on the global stage.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
