By hosting the games in Nigeria, a nation rich in sporting history and military prowess, AMGA 2024 aims to inspire a new generation of military athletes and reaffirm the role of sports as a powerful tool for diplomacy, resilience, and collaboration.
By Tuka Letura
The African Military Games (AMGA) is a unique multisport event that brings together military athletes from across the African continent to compete in various sports disciplines, fostering unity among African nations.
Initiated in 2002 through the combined efforts of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) and the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), the Games serve as a platform for showcasing the athleticism, discipline, and camaraderie of military personnel.
The inaugural edition, held in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a historic moment, with 32 nations coming together, including four observers, to participate in Africa’s first-ever continental military multisport event. This milestone highlighted Africa’s ability to organise a competition of such magnitude, setting the stage for a tradition that celebrates athleticism and teamwork while promoting peace and cooperation.
Now, 22 years later, the stage is set for the highly anticipated second edition of the African Military Games (AMGA), taking place from 18 to 30 November 2024, at the iconic Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, with 48 nations participating across 19 different sports.
The opening ceremony of the Games, also at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, featured an electrifying celebration of Nigerian music and culture, with performances from Afrobeats singers such as Olamide, D’banj, Yemi Alade, Timi Dakolo, Fireboy DML, and many other contemporary Nigerian artistes.
This edition carries the legacy of the Games forward while embracing new challenges and opportunities. It reflects not only the athletes’ dedication but also a broader commitment to addressing systemic issues within African sports administration.
By hosting the Games in Nigeria, a nation rich in sporting history and military prowess, AMGA 2024 aims to inspire a new generation of military athletes and reaffirm the role of sports as a powerful tool for diplomacy, resilience, and collaboration.
In total, 397 medals have been awarded so far at AMGA 2024. With just days remaining, Nigeria holds a wide lead at the top.
With an impressive tally of 169 medals, including 85 golds, 46 silvers, and 38 bronzes, the host nation’s stellar performance has not only showcased their athletic prowess but also the diversity of their abilities, having won these medals across 15 different sports—more than any other nation has managed.
Closely behind the hosts are Algeria in second place. Although their tally, when doubled, doesn’t even equal Nigeria’s, they have picked up 74 medals, 42 of which are gold and 17 silver.
Medal tally for the top five as at midnight November 26th are;
- Nigeria – 169 medals
- Algeria – 74 medals
- Kenya – 27 medals
- Tunisia – 30 medals
- Libya – 14 medals
Among the games featured so far are Taekwondo, Handball, Wrestling, Obstacle Crossing, Squash, Archery, Basketball, Football, Athletics, Shooting, Tennis, Combat Swimming, Badminton, Boxing, and Golf.
The games will continue at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium until the closing on Sunday, 30 November 2024.
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.