Nigeria Names First Female Archery Development Director

Nigeria's archery federation just made history by appointing its first ever Women's Development Director, and she's already planning a revolution in how girls access the sport.

Kachollom Enyenihi, a medal-winning archer who competed at continental championships, will lead efforts to bring archery to girls in schools and communities nationwide. She won silver at the 2022 World Archery Africa Championships in South Africa and bronze the following year in Tunisia.

Her vision goes far beyond trophies. Enyenihi plans to establish regional training hubs with certified coaches, including more female coaches who can serve as role models for young archers.

"My plan is to build a clear pathway from grassroots to elite level by introducing archery to girls in schools and communities," she said after her appointment. The focus on school and community programs aims to create sustainable, long-term growth rather than quick wins.

Access has been the biggest barrier keeping Nigerian girls from picking up a bow. Enyenihi plans to tackle this through partnerships with corporate sponsors and government bodies to provide equipment, scholarships, and opportunities to compete internationally.

The Ripple Effect

This appointment signals a broader shift in Nigerian archery. The federation also named directors for marketing, strategy, grassroots development, and other key positions as part of a complete organizational overhaul.

The goal extends beyond just getting more girls into archery. Enyenihi wants to develop confident, high-performing female archers who can win at national and continental levels while inspiring the next generation of competitors.

She's planning both female-only and mixed competitions to give archers multiple pathways to test their skills and gain experience. Equal representation in competition structures will be just as important as access to equipment and training.

Federation President Abdullahi Mohammed's decision to create this role reflects growing recognition that intentional investment in women's sports produces results. Other sports federations across Africa are watching to see how this structured approach transforms participation rates.

One champion archer is now opening doors for thousands of girls who never knew they could aim for the bullseye.