As the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) approaches a critical election cycle, a wave of insider leaks and confidential correspondences has exposed deep-seated internal divisions, raising alarm over political maneuvering, alleged underperformance, and last-ditch attempts to delay the democratic process.
Multiple sources within the Federation allege that a small group of board members—most of whom have contributed little to the Federation’s progress over the past four years—are attempting to stall the constitutionally scheduled elections. Their reported motivation? A lack of viable paths to reelection and fear of accountability.
Key Figures at the Heart of the Controversy
Maj. Gen. Hamakin (Rtd)
Touted by some as the Federation’s international representative—despite no formal documentation from any global shooting sports body—Maj. Gen. Hamakin was originally appointed as an interim chairman. However, insiders claim he has missed nearly every Federation meeting, failed to deliver reports from his assigned committee, and ignored invitations to support Olympic qualification efforts. His current push for a return as “interim president” is widely seen as an attempt to bypass the electoral process.
Mr. Saheed Yusuf – Institutional Representative (DSS)
Mr. Yusuf, representing the Department of State Services (DSS), is accused of sidelining other military and paramilitary bodies while prioritizing athletes from his own agency. Allegedly, he attempted to insert unqualified personnel into Nigeria’s squad for the Baku World Cup. When this was resisted by the technical committee, he abruptly withdrew his team—despite official processes already being completed—causing a diplomatic stir and logistical losses.
Mr. Kingsley – Technical Director (DSS)
Also from the DSS, Kingsley reportedly disengaged from virtually all NSSF competitions and programs between 2021 and 2025, only resurfacing at the most recent National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. Following that event—where state-backed athletes significantly outperformed agency representatives—he is alleged to have ordered the withholding of training equipment from various zones. Critics say this was a deliberate move to protect institutional turf rather than support national growth, stalling momentum especially in emerging regions like the North-East.
Reform vs. Regression
Sources close to the Federation argue that the push to delay elections is less about institutional integrity and more about personal political survival. These actors have reportedly accused the current President of being “high-handed” and not “carrying members along”—a claim dismissed by reform-minded officials and stakeholders as an attempt to derail needed transformation.
Supporters of the current leadership highlight a record of merit-based appointments, increased zonal participation, support for grassroots development, and restored international credibility. They assert that ongoing reforms are finally placing athletes and national interest above personal gain.
A Pivotal Moment
As the NSSF stands at a defining crossroads, the outcome of its looming elections may determine whether the sport continues on its current path of renewal—or returns to a cycle of stagnation driven by vested interests. With eyes across Nigeria’s sports landscape now fixed on the Federation, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the future of shooting sports in the country.
