Five nations to battle in Lagos as Zen Archery International Open returns

Archers from five African nations are set to compete in Lagos this week for the 2026 Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament. Nigeria, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, and Chad will be represented at the event, which is rapidly establishing itself as a key sporting fixture in West Africa.

The tournament, organized by Zen Archery Club in partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), will take place from June 18 to 21 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan. This marks the event's third edition and has seen a more than twofold increase in international participation, growing from two countries in 2025 to five in 2026.

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

What began in 2025 as Nigeria's first international open archery event, drawing around 100 athletes from 16 clubs, has evolved into a significant continental platform. Aderonke Aderinoye, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, stated that the growth reflects a 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," she said.

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What we are building in Lagos is bigger than a competition. It is a platform for talent discovery, youth development, and proof that Nigeria can host world-class sport on its own soil.

Emmanuel Oyeleke, Founder of Zen Archery, emphasized that the competition is more than just a sporting event. "What we are building in Lagos is bigger than a competition," he explained. "It is a platform for talent discovery, youth development, and proof that Nigeria can host world-class sport on its own soil."

The Lagos State Sports Commission views the tournament as aligning with its broader sports development agenda, particularly in youth engagement and talent discovery. Director-General Lekan Fatodu noted the benefits of sports like archery, citing its contribution to physical stability, mental growth, focus, and discipline. He also highlighted the event's role in boosting Lagos's sports tourism profile and creating economic opportunities for local businesses.

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