Nigerian Taekwondo Athletes excel in Morocco as NTF secures 5 slots in WT committees, hails Sponsors


Nigerian Athletes at the just concluded World Taekwondo (WT) G-2 ranked sanctioned President Cup in Morocco gave a good account of themselves with series of victories which they recorded.

Nothing less than eight Nigerians took part during the third edition of the competition which attracted 441 competitors and 52 countries in Agadir.

Some of the countries that participated included Great Britain, Spain, France, Egypt, Morocco, Brazil, Palestine, Germany, Belgium, Côte D’Ivoirr, Niger Republic, DR Congo, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Phillipines, Portugal, Laos, Russia, USA amomg others.

Bright Kolde (male -74kg), Ifeoluwa Ajayi (male-63kg), Otuadinma (female -73kg), Chinazum (female -53kg), Elizabeth Anyanacho (female -67kg), Benjamin Okumose (-73kg) represented Nigeria at the prestigious tournament meant for preparation ahead of next month’s World Championship and African Games scheduled for August this year.

In between the period of the competition, an African Congress for all Taekwondo federations took place.

At the end, five Nigerians were appointed into various WT committees.

Among them was Alhaji Sani Lawal, Chairman Technical of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) who was appointed into the technical committee while NTF technical director and President Engr Chika Chukwumerije and Mrs Elizabeth Binga are in the Coaching and Referee committees.

Meanwhile, NTF has rolled out drums to appreciate their sponsors who supported Nigeria’s contingent to the just concluded President Cup in Morrocco.

In a well-crafted message, NTF technical director and three-time Olympian Engr. Chukwumerije stated: “We asked Nigerians for support, and they gave it to us. Our trip was built on donations of N1,000 and more, from the common vendor on the street to the crème de la crème of Nigerian societies, everyone just giving enough to ensure the National Team got to Morocco. For this, we are very grateful.

“Without them, Nigeria’s presence would not have registered at this important continental championship – the 3rd WT President’s Cup [Africa Region], that had 620 registrations, 431 competitors from 52 countries! Yes, we would not have been here to make Nigeria proud, to fight for world ranking points, experience and to develop our youths, if these empathetic Nigerians did not contribute to support the National Team.

“We even attended the African Congress, engaged in the political process and got five Nigerians appointed into five different committees of the World Taekwondo Africa body. Imagine that! Just because Nigerians of all walks of life supported us a little.

“We are certain that solid Investment in our today gives us a fighting chance for a better tomorrow. Thus, we are grateful to these individuals, whose combined contributions and investment made it possible for us to be Morocco. We are very grateful that they could relate with our dreams and our hard work at only a moment’s notice. May the Almighty replenish your pockets!”

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