54 African nations unite for African Military Games in Nigeria

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and 51 other African countries have committed to sending troops to Nigeria for the 2nd Africa Military Games.

The event, scheduled to take place in Abuja in November 2024, aims to enhance military cooperation in Africa through sport, despite recent tensions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has finalized preparations to host the two-week event, which will bring together military athletes from all 54 African nations. Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abidemi Marquis, the Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, shared this exciting news during a media briefing, highlighting the participation of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and other countries that have expressed interest despite their recent departure from ECOWAS.

The games, themed “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa Through Sport,” will be held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and will feature both male and female athletes competing in 19 sporting events. President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, will serve as the grand patron of the games, with Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru as the patron. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, will act as the chief host, while the service chiefs will be co-hosts.

Marquis emphasized that the primary objective of the games is to strengthen camaraderie and cooperation among African countries, ultimately enhancing security on the continent.

He revealed that 43 nations have already submitted their preliminary agreements to participate in a wide range of sports, including badminton, boxing, basketball, combat swimming, football, golf, judo, kickboxing, obstacle crossing, shooting, squash, table tennis, lawn tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, and wrestling.

Hosting the games will not only promote unity and cooperation but also bring significant benefits to Nigeria. Marquis highlighted the potential increase in tourist arrivals, projecting Nigeria to the world and stimulating economic growth through spending on accommodation, food, transportation, souvenirs, and other goods and services. The event is also expected to drive infrastructure development, including the construction of hotels, thereby improving the lives of citizens.

Major General Abdullahi Maikano, President of OSMA (Organization of Military Sports in Africa), expressed his organization’s commitment to uniting all African militaries through sports. Nigeria was granted the hosting rights after 24 years, reflecting its capability and dedication to the cause. Maikano expressed confidence in the success of the event, revealing that athletes from Ghana and other African countries have already entered camp and expressed their eagerness to participate. The Ambassador of Burkina Faso has also assured that their military athletes will be present.

Maikano emphasized the significance of having all 54 member nations of Africa participate under the motto “Peace in Africa.” Despite ongoing crises, even the Sudanese military has shown interest in joining the games, and Maikano pledged to continue campaigning for more countries to participate in this monumental event that aims to promote peace and unity across the continent.