NSF Charts New Course For Shooting Sports Development
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
The Nigeria Shooting Federation (NSF) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at popularising shooting sports across the country through grassroots engagement, zonal competitions and a national championship.
President of the federation, Muhammed Shettima, disclosed the plan at the closing ceremony of the maiden South-East Regional Shooting Competition held in Umuahia, Abia State. The event featured competitions in Mixed Doubles Pistol, Mixed Doubles Rifle and Para Pistol, alongside seminars to educate participants on the sport.
Shettima said the initiative was designed to demystify shooting sports and make them accessible and attractive to Nigerians, especially youths.
“This is just the first of many competitions. Our goal is to make shooting not only popular but also a profitable sport in Nigeria,” he said. “We want people to devote time and resources to it and make the country proud.”
He noted that shooting is often misunderstood as dangerous, stressing that it is a highly regulated competitive sport similar to archery, with strong potential for youth development and job creation.
According to Shettima, the federation plans to replicate the South-East competition in other geopolitical zones, including the South-South, South-West and North-West. Outstanding athletes from the regional tournaments will then compete at a national championship, where the best talents will be selected and groomed for continental and international competitions.
Shettima commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for supporting the hosting of the maiden regional event, describing the state as a trailblazer in shooting sports development.
Director of Sports in Abia, Obioma George, said the state exceeded expectations by topping the medals table with six medals, including four gold. He added that plans were underway to host a state championship to sustain interest and talent development.
Abia emerged overall winners, followed by Enugu, Imo and Anambra states.
