Lagos is hosting archers from five African countries this week as the Zen Archery Lagos International Open Tournament returns for its third edition, expanding from two nations in 2025 to five in 2026.
The competition, organised by Zen Archery Club in partnership with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), runs from 18 to 21 June at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan. Archers from Nigeria, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire and Chad will battle in eight categories including Recurve, Compound and Barebow divisions for men and women, plus Under-18 Barebow and Recurve events. Both individual and team competitions are on the schedule.
What started in 2025 as Nigeria's first international open archery event with about 100 athletes from 16 clubs has become a continental platform. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Aderonke Aderinoye, said the growth shows that African archery nations want to compete together.
"Every edition of this tournament has been a statement about what is possible when African archery nations choose to compete together rather than apart," Ms Aderinoye said.
Founder of Zen Archery, Emmanuel Oyeleke, said the tournament isn't just about competition.
"What we're building in Lagos is bigger than a competition," he said. "It's 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 backs the event as part of its youth engagement and talent discovery agenda. Director-General of the commission, Lekan Fatodu, said archery offers physical stability, mental growth, focus and discipline for young people.
"The power of sports like archery in providing physical stability, mental growth, focus and discipline for young people is remarkable," Mr Fatodu said.
He argued that sports beyond football and boxing deserve attention for the life skills they deliver. Mr Fatodu also highlighted the tournament's role in sports tourism — athletes visiting Lagos for the first time become ambassadors for the state. He added that small businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, creating a value chain for local enterprise.
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a 10,000-capacity venue with a rich sporting history, hosts the tournament for the second straight year. As an Open Tournament, athletes compete as individuals or club representatives, not under national colours. Clubs can register multiple participants per category, a format meant to encourage wider participation and grassroots development.
The 2025 edition was a breakthrough moment. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited and took part in a demonstration session. That edition also saw the launch of the Zen Archery Foundation, a non-profit focused on grassroots coaching, equipment access and youth development.
Organisers say the 2026 edition aims to position Lagos as a recurring hub for African archery and a future candidate for World Archery accreditation. Plans include athlete exchange programmes and training partnerships with participating countries.