Between June 18 and June 21, Lagos will host over 100 archers from across the globe in a groundbreaking sporting event — the inaugural Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament. Held at the historic Onikan Stadium, this four-day competition marks a significant leap forward for Nigeria’s involvement in the global archery community.
Organised through a collaborative effort between Zen Archery and the Lagos State Sports Commission, the tournament brings together athletes from 16 international clubs, competing across five major categories. It promises a high-calibre display of talent, precision, and sporting excellence in what has been described as a first-of-its-kind archery event on Nigerian soil.
A Tournament of Firsts: Ranking Nigerian Archers
Beyond the spectacle of international competition, the tournament has an important developmental agenda. According to Aderonke Aderionye, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, the event will introduce Nigeria's first official archery ranking system.
“At this tournament, we’ll be adopting World Archery regulations for scoring,” Aderionye stated. “This is not just a contest — it’s a benchmark. Every participating Nigerian athlete will be ranked, and these rankings will become the standard used annually.”
She added that the larger vision is to groom athletes capable of representing Nigeria on prestigious global platforms, including the Olympics. “Our goal is to ensure consistent growth through regular high-level competitions like this. With each tournament, athletes sharpen their skills, and that's how we climb the ladder internationally.”
Building a Sustainable Future Through Archery
For Emmanuel Oyeleke, founder of Zen Archery, the event is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for broader social impact. He announced that the tournament will coincide with the unveiling of the Zen Archery Sports Foundation, a nonprofit initiative aimed at making archery accessible to underserved youth across Nigeria.
“In the short term, we want to develop local talents and nurture them to be internationally competitive,” Oyeleke explained. “But our long-term vision is even bigger — to demonstrate that Nigeria can stand tall in a sport like archery and to lay the groundwork for participation in future Olympic Games.”
He emphasized that the foundation will work to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, particularly in communities where access to structured sports programs is limited.
Government Backing and a Growing Legacy
The Lagos State Government has expressed its strong support for the initiative, viewing it as part of a broader push to elevate the state’s sporting profile.
Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, praised the evolution of archery in Lagos. “In 2023, we hosted a national tournament. Two years later, we’re hosting an international one. That progression shows commitment from the government and belief in the potential of this sport,” he said.
Orimoloye assured that the state would continue to invest in sports development, infrastructure, and event support, seeing competitions like the Zen Archery Open as key to nurturing both grassroots and elite talent.
A New Chapter for Nigerian Sports
The Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament stands as a bold statement: Nigeria is ready to compete, grow, and lead in emerging sports like archery. With international athletes arriving, official rankings being introduced, and long-term social initiatives taking root, this tournament represents not just a competition — but the beginning of a national movement.