At least 25 countries will be participating in the 2nd African Military Games being hosted by Nigeria from Monday, 18th to Saturday, 30th November, 2024 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Briefing the press on Monday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the Games is expected to be a convergence for military personnel from across the continent to compete in different sporting events as well as well as strengthening military cooperation and partnership and build lasting relationships among African Armed Forces.
The CDS, while thanking President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for their support, urged the Nigerian military to make the nation proud at the week-long event by showcasing and displaying their sporting skills and talents.
“We are here to review and celebrate the exciting opportunity for Nigeria to host African Military Games in Abuja this November. As the Chief of Defence Staff, I’m pleased to announce that Nigeria will host the African Military Games, a prestigious event that brings together military personnel from across the Africa continent to compete in various sporting discipline. This event will hold from 18th to 30th November 2024 present a unique opportunity for Armed Forces to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie among participants and strengthening military cooperation and partnership.
“The hosting of the African Military Games in Abuja is not only a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the region but also an opportunity to demonstrate our capability as the host nation. The Games will provide a platform for our Armed Forces to compete at international level, exchange best practices with their counterparts from other African countries and build lasting relationships that will contribute to the overall security and stability of the continent.
“I’m also pleased to announce the finalisation of preparations for the Games including ensuring that necessary infrastructure and logistics support are put in place to host this prestigious event. I’m confident that our Armed Forces will rise up to the occasion and make the nation proud with their performances on and off the field. It’s envisage that this noble opportunity to host the continent will bring significant benefits to the Federal Capital Territory and the nation at large including economic and sports development, global recognition and national pride.
“Let us therefore come together to ensure a hitch-free event. Let me use this opportunity to once again deeply appreciate our President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his persistent backing and encouragement to Armed Forces in attaining this enviable feat. My special thanks also goes to our host, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his unflinching support to host this auspicious event in the FCT even at a very short period,” General Musa said.
Sporting Tribune reports that eight countries have arrived for the Games with others being expected on Tuesday. The countries on ground are host Nigeria (474 athletes), Algeria (160 athletes), Tunisia (40 athletes), Uganda (26 athletes) and Tanzania (16 athletes). Others are Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Athletes will compete in 19 sporting events.
The first African Military Games was held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002.
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