The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, has announced the return of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship, also known as the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup, seven years after its inaugural edition.
The event is scheduled to take place from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. It is jointly organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the Abuja Wushu Association to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the long-standing friendship between China and Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, described the tournament as a platform for unity, peace, and mutual respect between both nations. “Wushu is not merely a competition or a fighting tool. It is a discipline that teaches self-defence, respect, and the duty of the strong to protect the weak,” he said.
Yang noted that Wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, embodies the values of peace, discipline, and inner strength—virtues deeply shared by both Chinese and Nigerian cultures. He added that the championship would henceforth become an annual event. “Our friendship with Nigeria ranks among the strongest in Africa. Cultural understanding is the foundation of lasting cooperation,” he said.
Mr. Mykel Eneduwa, a representative of the Nigerian Wushu Kung Fu Federation and co-organiser, explained that the championship goes beyond competition. “Wushu is a tool for peace, respect, and integrity—values that shape the leaders of tomorrow. This championship is about building discipline, character, and friendship between our two nations,” he said.
He revealed that the 2025 edition will feature six competitive divisions, including Taiji (Tai Chi), Sanshou (Sanda), team forms, and creative forms, across various male and female categories. Registration is free, while accommodation and feeding will be provided for participating athletes.
To motivate excellence, cash prizes of ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second, and ₦200,000 for third have been announced, alongside consolation awards for effort and perseverance.
A representative of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Sesan Adeboyejo, praised the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for their contribution to sports and cultural development in Nigeria. “This collaboration reflects our shared vision for youth empowerment. Wushu instills discipline and self-control—qualities vital for our youth,” he noted.
More than 150 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate. The organisers have invited the public, families, and martial arts enthusiasts to attend the three-day event, noting that spectators must register online or present invitation cards due to limited space at the velodrome.
The 2025 China–Nigeria Friendship Cup will be held under international Wushu standards, supervised by certified referees and affiliated with the International Wushu Federation (IWUF).
