Nigeria and Niger Secure African Berths for 2025 Chovken World Championship
The West African nations of Nigeria and the Niger Republic have clinched the two African qualification spots for the 2025 Chovken World Championship, earning the right to represent the continent at the global equestrian event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
[Suggested image placeholder: Teams competing in a Chovken match on horseback]
Their advancement to the world stage was secured following dominant performances at the inaugural African Chovken Championship, hosted at the Guards Polo Club in Abuja. The Nigerian Eagles and the national team from Niger distinguished themselves through a display of skill and sportsmanship, finishing as the continent’s top two teams and thus claiming the coveted slots.
Teams from Ghana and the Islamic Republic of Egypt, which placed third and fourth respectively, will have another opportunity to qualify in a subsequent round of continental eliminations.
International Federation Praises African Growth
Bahruz Nabiyev, President of the International Chovken Federation (ICF), officially confirmed the qualifications and expressed strong confidence that both African teams would perform admirably in Baku. He commended the high standard of play, discipline, and sportsmanship exhibited throughout the continental championship.
Nabiyev also highlighted the sport’s rapidly expanding footprint across Africa. He noted that Chovken, an ancient equestrian sport with similarities to polo, is gaining significant traction, particularly in Nigeria. “We in the ICF are very happy at the high level of sportsmanship, discipline and the popularity of the game of Chovken in Nigeria and other African countries,” Nabiyev stated, adding that the federation anticipates welcoming more nations from the region into the sport’s global fold.
Global Qualification Pathway Nears Completion
The African qualifiers will join teams that have already secured their places from Europe and Asia. The final contingent of competitors will be determined at the North and South American Championship, scheduled for Argentina in December.
The successful hosting of the first African championship in Abuja was widely seen as a milestone for the sport on the continent. Nura Kangiwa, President of the African Region Chovken Federation, praised the winners and commended the ICF for entrusting Nigeria with the inaugural event. He declared that Chovken has now firmly established itself within Nigeria and across Africa.
Kangiwa, who previously led Nigeria’s delegation to the sport’s inaugural World Championship in Baku last year, expressed gratitude to the international body for providing a platform for African athletes to compete globally. Abdulkarim Jubrin, President of the Nigerian Chovken Federation, also congratulated the national team for its achievement and for bringing pride to the nation.
Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/202511200368.html