The 2026 China–Nigeria Wushu Martial Arts and Cultural Exchange was held over the weekend as part of activities marking the Chinese New Year and 55 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.
Held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the event brought together a delegation from the Chinese Wushu Association, officials of the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation, students, and invited guests for a vibrant showcase of martial arts, music and cultural performances designed to promote mutual understanding through tradition and sport.
In his remarks, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, described Wushu as a cultural bridge capable of connecting people beyond language and borders. He explained that hosting the exchange during the Lunar New Year celebration was intentional, using the festive period to deepen appreciation of Chinese heritage among Nigerians while strengthening bilateral friendship.
Yang said the Lunar New Year, which begins on February 17, 2026, is rooted in China’s ancient lunar calendar developed by early agrarian communities to track seasonal changes. He said the celebration symbolises reunion, harmony and renewal, values that resonate strongly with the spirit of China–Nigeria relations.
He added that the display of the Nigerian and Chinese flags, alongside performances by children and cultural groups, created a symbolic link between the two nations and provided Nigerians with a close encounter with Chinese traditions.
Also speaking, Fu Bo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Wushu Association, said the visit of the Chinese delegation to Abuja was aimed at building direct engagement with Nigeria’s Wushu community and admirers of traditional Chinese culture.
Fu noted that 2026 coincides with the China–Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between both countries, making the exchange particularly timely. He revealed that Wushu will feature as an official competition sport at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games later in the year, demostrating Africa’s growing role in the global promotion of the sport.
According to him, closer collaboration between the Chinese Wushu Association and Nigerian counterparts will encourage sustained exchanges in training, competitions and cultural cooperation. He invited Nigerian practitioners to actively participate in demonstrations and sparring sessions with the visiting team to experience the artistry and discipline of Wushu firsthand.
On his part, the North Central Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Federation, Sesan Adeboyejo, described the event as a reflection of the enduring friendship between both nations and the growing enthusiasm for Wushu among Nigerian youths.
He said Wushu represents more than martial skills, embodying discipline, philosophy, health and heritage, and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises sport as a driver of youth empowerment, economic opportunity and national branding.
Adeboyejo stressed that sustaining the growth of Wushu in Nigeria requires institutional backing and corporate sponsorship. He appealed to Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to support training facilities, scholarships, competitions, community outreach and coach development initiatives.
He said such partnerships would help instil discipline, promote healthy living and provide constructive alternatives for young people, while strengthening cultural bonds at the grassroots level.
The event featured professional demonstrations by the Chinese and Nigerian Wushu practitioners, and a training session led by the visiting Chinese delegation.
