By Emmanuel Emeka
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, through the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, has announced plans to host the 2025 Chinese Ambassador Cup Wushu Championship, also known as the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, where officials from both countries highlighted the tournament’s significance in strengthening cultural ties, promoting youth engagement, and advancing sports diplomacy between China and Nigeria.
The Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, said the event would hold at the end of this month and would serve as a major platform to unite athletes and lovers of Chinese martial arts in Nigeria.
He added that the championship, also known as the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup, will celebrate the beauty and discipline of Chinese martial arts, especially Wushu.
Mr. Yang further explained that Wushu is not merely a sport of physical strength but also one that teaches peace, discipline, and mutual respect.
He expressed optimism that the event would help deepen understanding between both nations, adding that Chinese martial arts embody patience, inner peace, and respect—values essential for personal growth and cross-cultural friendship.
He said, “We are here to announce that we are going to hold a very meaningful, very interesting event at the end of this month. The name of the event will be the Chinese Ambassador Cup Wushu Championship.
“The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity to gather athletes and lovers of Chinese martial arts, especially Wushu, to enjoy the beauty and spirit of the Chinese Wushu culture.
“In Chinese martial culture, Wushu is a way for self-defence. The stronger person has the responsibility to help the weaker. Through Wushu exercise, Chinese and Nigerian people can make themselves stronger and more confident” he said.
Mr. Yang, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed China’s commitment to using culture and sports as tools for mutual understanding.
“Wushu or martial arts is a very important part of Chinese culture. Cultural exchange is very important between countries. Without culture, people will not understand each other,” he said.
He added that the event would strengthen friendship between the people of China and Nigeria and inspire participants to embrace discipline, confidence, and inner peace through martial arts.
The championship, he said, would become an annual event that promotes cultural appreciation and unity between both countries.
Mr. Sesan Adeboyejo, North Central Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Wushu Kung Fu Federation, described the championship as a platform for cultural exchange and youth development.
He announced that participants from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would compete in six divisions, including Tai Chi, team forms, and creative forms.
Adeboyejo explained that the event would be free for participants, with accommodation and feeding provided by the organisers.
He said the competition would take place on October 29 and 30 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
According to him, a referee course would be held before the event to ensure all officiating aligns with international standards, while modifications would be made to suit local participation.
He noted that the competition would host about 150 participants from different states, with age categories ranging from children to adults.
He said, “Wushu is not a tool for violence; it is a tool for discipline, respect, and integrity,” he said. “This beautiful tournament will happen between the Chinese and Nigerian teams, and it is a way to bridge cultural diversity and friendship between both countries.
“The first prize will go home with 500,000 naira, the second prize 300,000 naira, and the third prize 200,000 naira. There will also be consolation prizes for effort and perseverance.
“There is no fee for registration. Athletes from everywhere in Nigeria can come and compete in Abuja at no cost. Accommodation and feeding will be taken care of, and they will also have the chance to win cash prizes,” he stated.
Mr. Mykel Eneduwa, Patron of the FCT Wushu Association and President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria praised the Chinese Embassy for its consistent promotion of martial arts in Nigeria.
“The whole purpose of this is for youth engagement and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. This partnership between the National Sports Commission and the Chinese Embassy has turned dreams into reality,” He said.
