Traditional Dambe boxers pull no punches and trade heavy blows at Nigeria festival

Описание: (13 Feb 2026)
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Argungu — 12 February 2026
1. Dambe fighters inside ring
2. Various of Dambe fighters
3. Mid of onlookers
4. Mid of Dambe fighters
5. SOUNDBITE (Hausa) Ismaila Abubakar-Usman, Dambe fan:
“Dambe is something we inherited from our forefathers. We have been practising it for generations. It has helped build strong bonds between us and our friends. We do this every year to keep that friendship alive.”
6. Mid of Dambe fighters inside ring
7. Mid of Argungu indigenes watching
8. Mid of Dambe fighters
9. SOUNDBITE (Hausa) Hashimu Adamu, Dambe fan:
“Dambe is dangerous because you can be injured and someone can lose their lives if you’re punched on your mouth or your nose and they are broken, and if you’re not lucky, you could be dead."
10. Various of Dambe fighters fighting inside ring
11. Mid of Dambe fighters
STORYLINE:
Traditional Dambe boxers traded heavy blows before a cheering crowd in north-western Nigeria on Thursday.

The centuries-old combat sport, rooted in Hausa culture, is a highlight at the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

For each bout, men wrap one fist tightly in rope and cloth, and leave the other hand extended to guard.

The matches, often brief and explosive, end when one fighter knocks his opponent to the ground or forces him to concede.

Dambe, historically practiced by butchers and warriors, is known locally as the “art of the spear and shield.”

The wrapped fist, called the spear, is used to strike, while the open hand acts as a shield for defence.

The boxing formed part of activities marking this year’s Argungu festival in Kebbi state.

The annual event is also known for its mass fishing competition on the Matan Fada River.

Beyond fishing, the festival showcases northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage through music, dance, wrestling and traditional sports.

Organizers say including Dambe in the festival helps preserve local traditions and offers young men an alternative path to fame and income.

For many in Argungu, the sport is more than entertainment.

“Dambe is something we inherited from our forefathers,” said Ismaila Abubakar-Usman. "We have been practising it for generations."

AP Video shot by Dan Ikpoyi

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