Sports

270 Athletes Ready for Action at 13th Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup in Abuja

Published

1 year ago

October 17, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Over 270 taekwondo athletes from across Nigeria are gearing up to compete at the 13th edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup, slated for October 17th to 19th, 2025, at the Indoor Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Mrs. Rita Mosindi, applauded the Korean Ambassador for his unwavering commitment and long-standing partnership with the Federation in advancing the sport in Nigeria.

“We are deeply grateful to the Korean Ambassador for his consistent support in ensuring that Taekwondo continues to grow in the country,” she said.
“Reaching the 13th edition of this championship is a clear reflection of the transparency, accountability, and dedication that have sustained it over the years.”

Mrs. Mosindi emphasized that the championship will not only feature top-level competition but will also serve as a ranking event for athletes across the country.

“I expect to see our athletes give their best and display exceptional skills to thrill our spectators. This tournament also offers them an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points,” she added.

She assured that all arrangements have been finalized to guarantee a smooth and successful outing.

“All hands are on deck. Everything is in place, and we are set for a hitch-free tournament,” she affirmed.

Highlighting the event’s developmental importance, the NTF scribe noted that several athletes who have represented Nigeria internationally were discovered through previous editions of the Korean Ambassador’s Cup.

“We’re optimistic that this year’s event will unearth new talents who will go on to represent Nigeria at the Islamic Games and the African Youth Games in Angola,” she noted.

The Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup remains one of the Federation’s flagship annual events and serves as the final major tournament for the NTF in 2025. Nevertheless, other competitions such as the Governor of Niger State Cup and the Women’s Championship in Benin City are still on the Federation’s calendar.

The closing ceremony, billed for Sunday, October 19th, will feature the Korean Ambassador and other dignitaries, who will join in presenting medals and celebrating the achievements of participating athletes.

Mrs. Mosindi expressed confidence that the 13th edition will conclude on a high note, highlighting excellence, sportsmanship, and the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Korea through Taekwondo.

Share on Facebook

Sports

AACT 2026: South Africa Lead as Nigeria Fifth After Day One

Published

11 hours ago

November 5, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The ongoing All Africa Challenge Trophy, AACT, currently ongoing in the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja enters Day 2 today. At the end of Day 1, South Africa took an early lead with 154 strokes.

Kenya occupied second position with 158 strokes, while Tanzania placed third with 160 strokes after the opening round of the continental women’s golf championship.

Uganda finished fourth with 163 strokes, while Host Nigeria occupied fifth position with 166 strokes.

Zambia followed in sixth position with 167 strokes, ahead of Botswana, which returned 170 strokes to place seventh.

Ghana finished eighth with 172 strokes, while Zimbabwe and Tunisia occupied ninth and 10th positions with 174 and 176 strokes, respectively.

In the individual standings, South Africa’s Isabella Ferreira emerged as the Day One leader with four strokes over par (+4).

Ferreira, who expressed satisfaction with her opening-round performance, said she was encouraged by her start but remained focused on maintaining consistency.

“I’m happy with how I started the championship. The course demands concentration and patience, and I will continue to take each hole as it comes,” she said.

Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi followed closely in second position with five strokes over par (+5), while Uganda’s Keisha Kagoro occupied third position with six strokes over par (+6).

Kagoro said she was delighted with her start and determined to build on the performance.

“It is encouraging to begin the championship this way. I know the competition is strong, but I will stay focused, trust my game and work towards an even better performance,” she said.

South Africa’s Lourenda Steyn also returned six strokes over par to share third position with Kagoro.

Botswana’s Loapi Chokwe occupied fifth position with seven strokes over par (+7), while Tanzania’s Neema Olomi and Madina Iddy were tied on eight strokes over par (+8).

Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu and Kellie Gachaga returned nine strokes over par (+9) apiece.

Nigeria’s Juliana Ehinomhen finished among the leading 10 players, returning 10 strokes over par (+10) to occupy joint 10th position.

However, the Nigerian team will be seeking to improve its standing in the remaining rounds as competition intensifies among the participating countries. No fewer than 20 countries are participating in the championship, which features three rounds of 18 holes each, culminating in 54 holes.

It will be recalled that Nigeria’s First Lady and Grand Patron of AACT 2026, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, performed the ceremonial tee-off on Tuesday, November 3, signalling the commencement of the continental championship.

Share on Facebook