Two Ivorian archers, Marcelle Diombo and Franck Eyeni, are honing their skills in Nîmes, France, with a singular focus: to make their mark at the upcoming African Archery Championships in Abidjan at the end of November. Having trained diligently for months, they carry the hopes of their nation, aiming for a triumphant performance on home soil.
For over a year, and a slightly shorter period for Eyeni, Nîmes has served as their high-performance training ground. the Arc Club of Nîmes has provided an ideal habitat for them to refine their technique and consistency. Under the guidance of Olivier Grillat, the club’s sports director and their dedicated coach, Diombo and Eyeni are meticulously preparing for this pivotal continental event, scheduled to take place from November 20th to 23rd, 2025. This intensive readiness is a crucial step for an ambitious Ivorian national team and represents a significant human and sporting exchange for the Nîmes club.
Nîmes’ support: A Stepping Stone Towards Los Angeles 2028
This initiative underscores the Arc Club de Nîmes’ commitment to fostering international athletic progress. Their support for the Ivorian team is explicitly linked to their journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. “This collaboration not only enhances our club’s reputation but also promotes a spirit of global camaraderie and cultural exchange,” a club representative stated. Eyeni arrived in September 2023, with Diombo joining him in September 2024. Since then, both athletes have been immersed in daily training within a facility recognized for it’s elite standards and rich history in archery.
Seeking Redemption After a Near miss in 2023
The previous African Championships, held in Tunisia in 2023, left the Ivorian duo with a sense of unfinished business. While Marcelle Diombo secured a team bronze medal, the diombo-Eyeni pairing narrowly missed a significant achievement in the mixed doubles. They were defeated in a playoff match against Chad, a silver medal that, while commendable, felt like a missed possibility. The ultimate prize in that event was a direct qualification spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a goal that eluded them.
This year’s championships, hosted in Abidjan, present a unique blend of heightened motivation and increased pressure. The home crowd advantage could be a powerful asset, but the weight of expectation is undeniable. Both archers will compete in individual and team events. A mixed doubles appearance is also likely, with the final selection contingent on their performance in the qualifying shoot. The Ivorian national team is placing considerable faith in these two athletes, who have benefited from their extended training stint in France.
Home Turf Advantage: A Boost or a Burden?
The stakes are undeniably high. The Abidjan championships will draw 19 nations, serving as a critical benchmark for teams as they prepare for the 2026 championships, which are qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.Franck and Marcelle understand the challenge of channeling the pressure of competing at home into positive energy. Their coach, Olivier Grillat, who will accompany them to Abidjan, is confident in their development and their proven synergy as a team.
For the Nîmes club, this partnership symbolizes a broader vision: a place where the passion for archery transcends national boundaries. For Diombo and Eyeni, it’s an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent and represent their country on the continental stage, perhaps paving the way for a future Olympic dream.
