China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that the promotion of Wushu among Nigerian youth is part of China’s effort to foster discipline, personal growth, and cultural understanding across Africa.
Speaking at the finals of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship at the Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja, Dunhai described the sport as “a powerful tool for youth empowerment and cross-cultural learning.”
“Wushu is a precious treasure of Chinese culture. It not only builds our bodies but also shapes our character and spirit,” he said. “It embodies values of self-discipline, self-improvement, and respect for others — principles that deeply resonate with Nigerian culture.”
He noted that Wushu’s growing popularity in Nigeria shows the shared values of hard work and harmony between both nations.
“In recent years, we are delighted to see Wushu taking root and flourishing here,” he said. “From cities to villages, more Nigerian friends have fallen in love with Wushu.”
The envoy linked the event to President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilisation Initiative, saying cultural and sports exchanges were vital to deepening the China–Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.
He recalled that Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu had agreed at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to make 2026 the “China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”
“Today’s championship is a concrete step in implementing that vision,” Dunhai said.
He also announced that Wushu will feature at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, describing it as “a significant milestone” for African athletes.
“To all the athletes here: show exceptional skill and true sportsmanship,” he said. “See Wushu as a way to connect with Chinese culture and as your path to becoming ambassadors of China–Nigeria friendship.”
Dunhai pledged the Chinese Embassy’s continued support for Wushu development in Nigeria, adding that the Embassy would partner with the National Sports Commission to create more platforms for training and exchange.
“We believe Wushu can serve as a window for more Nigerians to learn about China, and as a bridge to deepen friendship between our peoples,” he said.
He concluded with a goodwill message: “Enjoy every moment of this competition. May this championship be a great success, and may China and Nigeria continue to prosper together.”
On his part, the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, stressed that the competition is a platform that inspires young people to embrace discipline, focus, and respect.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision for youth empowerment and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China”, he stressed.
The Nigerian wushu athletes of the 2025 Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship went away with 15 trophies across five competition segments with cash prizes worth of ₦500, 000 for first position, that’s Gold, ₦300,000 for second position, that’s Silver and third position, which is Bronze medal got ₦200,000 respectively.
Other Activities at the tournament included: In the Creative Form category, Henry Hendrix secured the Gold trophy, while Emmanuel Udem and Taiwo Faboro took Silver and Bronze, respectively.
The Taolu Single segment crowned Justice Unaka as Gold champion, followed by Adeyonju Miracle with Silver, and Esther Obaremi with Bronze.
In Taichi, Naima Sanusi emerged Gold winner, with Nasiru Umaru taking Silver, while Hendrix added a second medal, this time Bronze.
The competitive Male Sanda category saw Goodluck Emmanuel dominate to take Gold, ahead of Kunle Awoyele, earning Silver, and Tarkpe Stephen, who claimed Bronze.
For Female Sanda, Winifred Agara clinched Gold, while Mabel Aduotukeme and Mercy Joshua finished with Silver and Bronze, respectively.
The tournament, also known as the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup, drew participants from across the country and concluded with cultural performances and the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to winners.
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