Zen Archery Summer Camp targets Nigeria’s next generation of champions

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The 2025 Zen Archery Summer Camp has ended in Lagos, showing progress for one of Nigeria’s growing sports.

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Held from 1 to 12 August at the Zen Archery Range in Teslim Balogun Stadium, the second edition of the camp brought together children aged five to eleven for a blend of training, competition, and personal development.

With participants from across Lagos and a few from Ibadan, over 13 young archers competed in two age categories.

The camp, organisers say, is designed not just for competition but also to identify and nurture talents who could one day represent Nigeria internationally.

This year’s winners were Olusesi Lukman in the Under-11 category and Orimoloye Jesudolabom in the Under-8 group.

All participants received certificates, while winners went home with archery equipment.

The Zen Archery Foundation also donated bows and arrows to three outstanding participants — Orji Emmanuella, 12, from Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja; Nojeh Gabriel, 17, of Mainland Senior High School; and Akamo Gabriel, 14, of Mainland Junior High School.

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Growing the sport

While speaking with reporters, the founder of Zen Archery, Emmanuel Oyeleke, noted that attendance had more than doubled compared to the first edition in 2023.

“Last year, we had a little over maybe like five or six. This year, we had over 13 participants. They learned quite a lot during the summer camp, and we’ve seen improvements in the way and manner they are shooting today.”

Mr Oyeleke sees the camp as part of a bigger vision — producing athletes who can qualify for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal next year.

“If we can develop talents that will be able to qualify to represent Nigeria, even at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, I think this is one of our focuses.”

He acknowledged that archery’s growth in Nigeria still faces challenges, particularly access to facilities and equipment, but stressed the importance of initiatives like this.

“Archery is a growing sport in Nigeria. It needs specific equipment and facilities, and that’s why we’ve been able to give out bows and arrows, make the space available, and encourage other clubs in Abuja, Kaduna, Ogun, and Ibadan to also host summer camps.”

Beyond competition, he said the sport instils values such as patience, composure, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Lessons for Life

For parents, the camp’s benefits extend far beyond the shooting range. Tunde McIver, whose child took part, said the sport teaches focus, discipline, and how to deal with setbacks.

READ ALSO: Oyeleke leads Zen Archery to gold as Lagos hosts historic tournament

“They look forward to developing themselves to be professionals someday. Sport teaches you that sometimes you don’t always win, but if you are consistent, losers end up becoming winners.”

He added that sport offers children an early understanding of both success and disappointment — lessons they can carry into life.

Dreaming big

For Under-11 winner Olusesi Lukman, the camp was the latest step in a journey that began with curiosity.

“I kept on seeing archery in some of the fields I watch, the games I play. I sometimes see it in the places I go. So I decided to try it for myself… I came across Zen Archery, which was a place that gave me hope to soon become the greatest archer.”

Even at a tender age, the 11-year-old has spelt out his ambition

“Yes, I would like to represent Nigeria as a great archer, and soon be the greatest archer in the world. At the Olympics, I will be aiming spectacularly. I will become Robin Hood by splitting the arrow each time.”

With the summer camp concluded, organisers are already looking ahead to 2026.