Armed Forces Games: Kaduna to host 2,000 athletes, officials

T The city of Kaduna is set to host no fewer than 2,000 athletes and officials for the Armed Forces Games, a trial exercise to select Nigeria’s team for the forthcoming Africa Military Games, from September 24 to 28, 2024.

The Africa Military Games is tentatively scheduled for November 18 to November 30, 2024, in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports.’

The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, made this known while addressing journalists at the Stallion Officers’ Mess, Dalet Barracks, Kaduna, on Saturday.

Marquis stated that the games, themed ‘Enhancing Military Professionalism through Sports,’ would feature 19 sporting events, including football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics.

He explained that the objectives of the games are to “enhance military professionalism through sports, promote unity and camaraderie among military personnel, and select the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Africa Military Games.”

The event, Marquis added, is expected to boost the local economy, with over 1,600 athletes and officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force engaging in economic activities across the state.

He continued that the 19 events to be contested by sportsmen and women during the games would take place in five venues, including Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Murtala Square, the Nigerian Defence Academy (old and new sites), the Nigerian Air Force base, and a private Ashry range.

He said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I am pleased to announce that Kaduna has been chosen to host the Armed Forces Games, a trial exercise to select Nigeria’s team for the Africa Military Games slated for November 18-30 in Abuja.

“Kaduna was chosen for the Armed Forces Games due to its military history and strategic importance. Almost all military officers, including us here, have trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy and Jaji, making it a special location for us.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, being from Kaduna State, wanted to contribute to his home state’s development through hosting the Armed Forces Games.

“The games will feature 19 sporting events, including football, basketball, volleyball, and athletics, among others.”

“The objectives of the games are to enhance military professionalism through sports, promote unity and camaraderie among military personnel, and select the best athletes to represent Nigeria at the Africa Military Games,” Marquis explained.

He noted that the games are expected to boost the local economy, with over 1,600 athletes from the Army, Navy, and Air Force engaging in various economic activities during their stay in Kaduna.

Marquis also urged residents and those from neighbouring states to attend and watch the competitions, which he added would be exciting and entertaining.

“The closing ceremony will take place on September 28, 2024, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,” he added.