‎Speaking from Bamako, Grand Master Popoola noted that the championship has been highly competitive, with athletes from across the continent displaying exceptional technical ability and fighting spirit.
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‎”The event is still ongoing and we have recorded two bronze medals in Kyorugi through Jordan Joel in the heavyweight (+87kg) category and Chidinma Okoko in the (-62kg) division, while our gold medal came from Ability Matthews Udom in the (-57kg) Para event,” she said.
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‎Popoola particularly commended Jordan Joel for his impressive performance at the continental championship.
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‎”Jordan Joel, who is competing in his first African Championship, had to face several Olympic and World Championship medalists. For him to secure a bronze medal under such circumstances shows his tenacity, courage, and immense potential.”
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‎Reacting to the level of participation at the championship, the NTF President revealed that more than 35 countries are taking part in the competition, making the race for medals extremely challenging.
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‎”The event is quite huge because we have more than 35 countries participating here, and you know what that means. It is a very tough competition. Many countries arrived with over 30 athletes, including several international tournament champions. Despite that, Nigerian athletes are competing very well, and I believe we will continue to do well.”
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‎With the Kyorugi events nearing completion, Popoola expressed confidence in Nigeria’s Poomsae team, stating that the athletes have the capability to add more medals to the country’s tally.
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‎”We are still competing in the Poomsae events and we hope to secure medals in various categories. I trust our Poomsae athletes to deliver and improve our position on the medal table.”
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‎As of Tuesday 2nd June 2026 evening in Bamako Mali, Team Nigeria had won a total of four medals at the championship—two gold and three bronze medals—with hopes of adding more before the competition concludes.

Oluwabusayo Olowookere

NTF Media Officer

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The three-day trials, held at the multi-purpose hall of the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Ogun State, attracted more than 300 athletes from across the country and concluded on Saturday with impressive performances in both Poomsae and Kyorugi events.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Popoola said the competition had revealed a new generation of talented athletes capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage.

“The display of talent at this National Open Trials has been outstanding and it gives us confidence that the future of Nigerian Taekwondo is bright,” she said.

According to the NTF president, the federation is deliberately focusing on identifying and nurturing young athletes who can mature into world-class competitors over the next few years.

She explained that the long-term objective is to build a formidable national team capable of competing for medals at major international competitions, including the African Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

Popoola, the first female black belter in Kukkiwon Dan Grading in Nigeria, also highlighted the significance of the recent Kukkiwon Dan certification exercise, noting that it would enable more Nigerian athletes to compete internationally.

“In Taekwondo, athletes must possess recognised Kukkiwon certification to participate globally and we have successfully completed that process here in Nigeria,” she stated.

The NTF boss further commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support towards the development of the sport.

She specifically praised the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, for attending the trials and encouraging athletes and officials.

According to her, the backing of the commission has boosted the federation’s drive towards international success.

Popoola also confirmed that Nigeria had completed preparations for the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships scheduled for May 29 to June 2 in Bamako, Mali.

She revealed that athletes selected from the trials, including Para athletes, would represent the country in both Poomsae and Kyorugi categories.

“This is the first time we are travelling with such a large contingent and it shows that Nigerian Taekwondo is moving in the right direction,” she added.

Speaking through the NTF media team, Popoola praised the Commission’s dynamic and resourceful leadership, noting that its proactive approach is helping to reposition sports in the country.

“There is a new drive in our sports, and it is a result of intelligent and proactive leadership that has taken Nigerian sports to the next level,” she said.

She highlighted that Alegu’s journey to the global stage was made possible through the Commission’s initiative, which earlier facilitated his participation at the Youth Games in Angola in December last year.
“It was through the National Sports Commission programme that took Solomon to the Youth Games in Angola, and today he has the opportunity to compete at the World Junior Championship,” she added.

Popoola further revealed that the federation received encouragement and strong backing from the Commission as Alegu and his coach prepared for the championship.

“We reached out to them as our athlete and coach prepared for this World Junior Taekwondo Championship, and we got their support.

This serves as great inspiration to us as a federation,” she stated.
Expressing confidence in the young athlete, Popoola recalled Alegu’s impressive performance at the African Junior Championships in Luanda, Angola, where he secured a bronze medal in the -59kg category.

“We believe in his capacity, which is why he was selected to compete and showcase the never-say-die spirit of Nigeria,” she said.

She also noted that it has been a while since Nigeria last competed at this level, but expressed optimism about Alegu’s chances.

“It’s been a long time since we participated at this level, but I can assure you that Solomon will make a strong impact from his very first fight,” she added.

Solomon Alegu’s quest for a podium finish in the -59kg category at the World Junior Taekwondo Championship in Uzbekistan begins tomorrow, as he faces Yeun Awenm of the Netherlands. The competition is scheduled to run through Friday, April 17, 2026.

NTF President Tayo Popoola Commends NSC for Cash Support to Young Athletes….

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has heaped praise on the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the recent presentation of cash support to young athletes who have excelled for the country through the National Sports Commission Youth Appreciation Tour programme.

Speaking through the NTF Media, the first Nigerian black belt holder stated that the National Sports Commission has taken the right steps in the right direction by appreciating young athletes who have distinguished themselves in their various sports.

“I’m most grateful to the leadership of the NSC under the chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who at this time are transforming our sports sector with their innovative initiatives,” She said.

“It’s been a long time since we have seen this kind of gesture where young athletes who performed excellently are rewarded. Making the presentation right within their school premises will also serve as motivation for other athletes to believe that they can find their niche in sports as well.”

Grand Master Popoola also advised the awardees not to allow their current achievements distract them but instead use the recognition as motivation to aim higher.

“To all our athletes who have been rewarded today, I congratulate you and urge you not to lose your focus and determination. The sky is just the beginning for you. I believe that with the reward you have received, it will further motivate you to strive for the number one position,” She added.

Three young Taekwondo athletes were rewarded for their outstanding performances. Umeh Kanyisola Unique, who won gold in Kyorugi at the 2024 National Youth Games and a bronze medal at the 1st African School Games in Algeria, received ₦2,000,000.

Andrew Yemi Miracle, silver medalist at the 2025 African Junior and Cadet Taekwondo Championships, received ₦1,000,000.

Also rewarded was Umeh Crown, who won bronze at the African Junior and Cadet Taekwondo Championships and another bronze medal in Kyorugi at the 2025 National Youth Games, receiving ₦1,000,000 for her outstanding performance.

The Para-Taekwondo Seminar is scheduled to hold on February 16, 2026, via Zoom, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has congratulated its referee, Thursdaline Peter, following her emergence as the Africa Taekwondo Federation Union (AFTU) Best Female Referee for the Year 2025, a recognition that has once again placed Nigeria Taekwondo on the global stage.

The AFTU Awards, which recognize outstanding performances across categories such as Best Male and Female Athletes and Best Male and Female Referees, are designed to celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence throughout the outgoing year.

Speaking to NTF Media shortly after the announcement, the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, expressed immense pride and satisfaction over the prestigious recognition awarded to Thursdaline Peter.

“This is another major milestone for Nigeria Taekwondo, and I am truly elated with the news of our referee emerging as the Best Female Referee for the year 2025,” Popoola said.

Shee further praised her dedication, professionalism, and passion for officiating, noting her consistent presence at both local and international competitions.

“You can see the energy, commitment, and passion she brings to her job, as well as her willingness to travel for several organized competitions at both national and international championships,” she added.

The NTF President encouraged athletes and officials across the federation to use this achievement as motivation heading into the 2026 season.

“The power of Naija is in us, and I believe that with the programmes we have lined up for the year, there is no reason why we cannot dominate these awards for the next couple of years,” Popoola stated.

She reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to supporting athletes and referees by providing opportunities to participate in major championships that contribute to ranking points and continental recognition.

“As a federation, we are ready to support as many of our athletes and referees as possible to compete at major championships, which serve as ranking platforms to position Nigeria among the best in Africa,” he concluded.
In clinching the award, Thursdaline Peter outperformed notable contenders including Hebatullah Samir of Egypt, Chantal Anoh of Côte d’Ivoire, and Marshet Zwedu Woldehana of Ethiopia.

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has unveiled its comprehensive programme of activities for the 2026 calendar year, designed to keep all stakeholders actively engaged from January to December.

The 2026 calendar covers all cadres of Taekwondo, including Kyorugi and Poomsae, with a strong emphasis on grassroots development. Activities will span the kids’ segment, junior cadet, and senior cadet categories, featuring both local and international championships aimed at growing the sport nationwide.

Speaking through the NTF Media Team, the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, stated that the federation has “hit the ground running” and emphasized the need for all stakeholders to be fully committed to achieving the set goals for the year.

“We are starting the year with the registration of World Taekwondo Licenses, which will qualify coaches, referees, and athletes in line with the new laws of the game to be implemented in 2026,” he said.

She further explained that this will be followed immediately by the National Coaches Practical Course, where coaches will be trained on the updated rules and regulations to ensure Nigeria remains competitive with other leading Taekwondo nations. The course will be conducted across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
Reflecting on the performances of Nigerian athletes in the past year, the Federation President expressed optimism about the future and Nigeria’s chances of reclaiming its glory in the sport.

“I must commend all our athletes who represented Nigeria at various championships last year, especially Elizabeth Anyanacho, who won a bronze medal at the World Taekwondo Championship in Wuxi, China — Nigeria’s first medal at the event in over 20 years. With the graded championships lined up for this year, I am confident our athletes will achieve even greater success.”

Grand Master Popoola also extended special appreciation to sponsors who supported the federation in the previous year, while calling on prospective partners to come on board to further promote the sport.

“I sincerely thank all our sponsors for partnering with the federation and contributing to the successes recorded. On behalf of the board members of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, we say thank you. Like Oliver Twist, we are also appealing to prospective sponsors to join us in projecting our events and advancing the sport.”

The 2026 Taekwondo calendar will culminate in December with the Grand Prix Final scheduled to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan.

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