Abuja, Nigeria โ The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has announced that preparations are complete to host the 2nd Africa Military Games this November. The two-week event will feature military athletes from 54 African nations, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have recently exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The games, set to take place from November 5 to 18 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, will include participants from countries experiencing ongoing tensions within ECOWAS, such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abidemi Marquis, Director of Sports at DHQ, provided these details during a media briefing. He emphasized that the event, themed โEnhancing Military Cooperation in Africa Through Sport,โ aims to foster interaction and maintain good relationships among African nations. Both male and female athletes will compete in 19 sporting events.
President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, will serve as the grand patron of the games, with Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru as the patron. General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, will be the chief host, while service chiefs will act as co-hosts.
Marquis highlighted that the games aim to strengthen camaraderie and cooperation among African countries and enhance continental security. So far, 43 nations have submitted preliminary agreements to participate in sports such as badminton, boxing, basketball, combat swimming, football, golf, judo, kickboxing, obstacle crossing, shooting, squash, table tennis, lawn tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, and wrestling.
Hosting the games is expected to boost tourism and stimulate Nigeriaโs economy. Marquis stated, โFor Nigeria, hosting these games will increase tourist arrivals, project Nigeria to the world, and boost economic growth through spending on accommodation, food, transportation, souvenirs, and other goods and services.โ He also mentioned that the event would spur infrastructure development, such as hotels, improving citizens’ lives.
Major General Abdullahi Maikano, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), noted that Nigeria was chosen to host the games after 24 years due to its capability. He expressed confidence in the eventโs success and mentioned that athletes from countries like Ghana have already entered camp to participate.
The Ambassador of Burkina Faso assured that their military athletes would participate, reinforcing the event’s aim to unite all 54 African nations under the motto โPeace in Africa.โ Despite ongoing crises, even the Sudanese military has shown interest in participating, and efforts to encourage more countries to join will continue.
The African Military Games are expected to be a landmark event, promoting unity and cooperation among African militaries through sports.
