The 2025 Chinese Ambassador Cup Wushu Championship, also known as the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup, is set to be jointly hosted by China and Nigeria in Abuja this October.
The cultural and sporting collaboration is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The championship, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria through the China Cultural Centre in Abuja in partnership with the National Sports Commission, seeks to promote youth engagement, sports diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Set to take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja from October 29th to 31st, the event will bring together martial artists, athletes, and cultural representatives from across Nigeria.
The championship will highlight Wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art rooted in discipline, peace, and mutual respect.
At a media briefing in Abuja, the Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Yang Jianxing, said the event would serve as a platform for both countries to share values and foster stronger people-to-people connections.
“We hope that the event can be a very good opportunity to share our collective values. We respect each other and we value peace and discipline, and why Nigerian people and the Chinese people jointly love Wushu and martial arts is because martial arts is not only a way to master skills to defeat a person. In Chinese culture, Wushu is a way of self-defense, then the strong person has the responsibility to help the weak persons. That is the right way of Wushu culture,” he said.
Mr. Yang also noted that efforts would be made to ensure the competition becomes a consistent annual fixture, emphasising that cultural and sporting exchanges such as this remain vital to strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
The Patron of the FCT Wushu Association and President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Mykel Eneduwa, described the upcoming tournament as an important step toward deepening friendship and cooperation between both countries.
“Wushu has become a tool that we can use for cultural exchange and to bridge the friendship between Nigeria and China. So this beautiful tournament we are having, the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup or the China–Nigeria Friendship Cup, is a way to bridge cultural diversity and the cultural friendship we have started with China,” he said.
He further explained that a previous edition of the competition was held in 2018 but could not be sustained for several reasons. However, he noted that the 2025 edition would mark a strong comeback, with plans underway to make it a more regular and structured event.
“Apart from the fighting aspects of Wushu, it is a sport that teaches respect, integrity, indomitable spirit, and perseverance. These are values that we need to build the future leaders of tomorrow. So this tournament is not just about the competition aspect, but about the values we’re going to learn from it as well. We’re having children and athletes from all over Nigeria, from the 36 states and the FCT,” he said.
Reinforcing this point, Mr. Yang said both organisers and partners would work closely to ensure the consistency of future editions, making the Wushu Championship a sustainable cultural event that continues to unite both countries.
The North Central Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Wushu Kung Fu Federation, Mr. Sesan Adeboyejo, expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for initiating the championship, describing it as a vital platform for youth empowerment and cultural collaboration.
“Wushu is not a tool for violence; it is a tool for discipline, respect, and integrity. This beautiful tournament between the Chinese and Nigerian teams is a way to bridge cultural diversity and friendship between both countries,” he said.
Adeboyejo added that the competition represents an opportunity to inspire young Nigerians while fostering cross-cultural learning and understanding. He commended the organisers for their commitment to supporting young athletes and promoting cultural exchange through sports.
The championship is expected to feature six divisions, including Tai Chi, team forms, and creative routines, with participation free for all athletes. Accommodation and feeding will be provided by the organisers, and about 150 participants from across the country are expected to compete for cash prizes.