Inaugural South-East Shooting Championship: Abia Dominates with Five Gold Medals
Abia State won overall victory at the South-East Shooting Championship, topping the medal standings with five gold and one silver medal in the region’s first competitive shooting event.
Enugu State finished second with six medals—one gold, four silver, and one bronze—while Imo State collected four medals (one silver, three bronze). Anambra State rounded out the competition with one bronze medal.
The week-long championship in Umuahia featured seminars and competitions across Mixed Doubles Pistol, Mixed Doubles Rifle, and Para Pistol events, drawing shooters from throughout the South-East. Organizers positioned the tournament as a talent identification platform aimed at developing grassroots shooting sports across the region.
At Friday’s closing ceremony, Abia’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised all participants and stakeholders. Speaking through Permanent Secretary Mrs. Jane Maxwell Igwe, he urged athletes to build on the competition’s foundation and intensify their training efforts.
Nigeria Shooting Federation (NSF) President Commodore Muhammed Shettima commended Governor Alex Otti for backing the maiden regional event, calling it a significant milestone for grassroots sports development. He noted that Abia’s support helped dispel public misconceptions about shooting sports.
“Shooting, like archery, is a regulated competitive activity—not inherently dangerous,” Shettima explained. “We’re committed to popularizing this sport nationwide.”
The NSF president highlighted shooting’s potential as an employment pathway, emphasizing that success depends on skill and dedication rather than educational qualifications, gender, or physical ability. He announced plans to replicate regional competitions across Nigeria’s South-South, South-West, and Northern zones before organizing a national championship.
Abia’s Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, expressed satisfaction with the state’s performance, which exceeded expectations. He revealed plans for an internal Abia State Shooting Championship following the regional event and confirmed both para-athletes and able-bodied athletes performed excellently.
George credited Governor Otti’s directive to develop all sports in the state and explained that shooting equipment, while requiring initial investment, offers long-term value unlike sports requiring frequent supply replacement.
Lead Shooting Coach Adoyi Elaochi described the event as meeting international 10-meter air pistol and rifle standards, with each participant firing 60 shots according to global regulations. He noted shooting offers approximately 45 Olympic medals—opportunities Nigeria has previously contested and won.
Para-shooter Iheanacho Ohaeri, who won silver, expressed optimism about his career prospects with improved training equipment. Gold medalist Esther Ejim said the regional platform allowed her to demonstrate her abilities and pledged continued skill development.
