Sports
Gold for Udom, More Success for Nigeria at Africa Taekwondo Championship
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s Ability Udom lived up to her name by proving there is indeed “Ability in Disability” after becoming the country’s first gold medalist at the ongoing African Taekwondo Championships in Mali.
Udom, one of the 11 athletes representing Nigeria at the championship and one of only three para-athletes in the contingent, clinched gold in the women’s K44 -57kg category of the para-taekwondo event.
The Akwa Ibom-born athlete, ranked No. 1 in her category, ensured Nigeria’s place among the championship’s top performers by delivering the country’s first gold medal at the competition, which ran from May 30 to June 2 in Mali.
Nigeria’s gold medal haul was further boosted by Haruna Usman and Faridah Aderibigbe, who emerged champions in the U-40 Male Poomsae and U-30 Female Freestyle Poomsae events respectively.
Speaking after her triumph, Udom expressed delight at her achievement and thanked Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, Ms. Tayo Popoola, for her unwavering support.
“I am happy with my achievement, especially helping my country, Nigeria, win a gold medal in my event,” she said.
“I am grateful to God because my name is working — Ability. I have shown that there is Ability in Disability.”
Five other Nigerian athletes also secured bronze medals across various events. UK-based Juel Jordan claimed bronze in the men’s heavyweight (+87kg) category, while 2024 African Games bronze medalist Chidinma Okoko added another bronze in the women’s -62kg division.
Salawudeen Abdulafeez earned Nigeria’s third bronze medal after finishing third in the U-30 Male Poomsae event. Abdulafeez and Aderibigbe also combined to win bronze in the Pair Poomsae category.
Reacting to the team’s performance, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, Ms. Tayo Popoola, commended the athletes and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to providing them with more exposure through international competitions. She also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission for supporting the team’s participation in the championship.
Popoola noted that the tournament was highly competitive, featuring athletes from more than 35 countries, including several world and Olympic medalists.
“It was a tough championship,” Popoola said. “We won three gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals.
“I am delighted that our athletes gave their best and represented Nigeria with pride. It is encouraging to see that we now have athletes capable of competing with the very best across Africa at major championships.”
Sports
NHF President Nkom, Prof. Agbo Attend 50th FIH Congress in Doha
Cyril Ogar
President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engineer Simon Nkom, and NHF Board Member, Professor Ediga Agbo, are representing Nigeria at the landmark 50th Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Doha, Qatar.
The congress brings together hockey leaders and administrators from across the world to deliberate on governance, policy direction and strategies for the future development of the sport.
Their participation provides Nigeria with an opportunity to engage with international stakeholders, exchange ideas and explore initiatives that can strengthen the growth and administration of hockey in the country.
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Nkom said, “Our participation in this historic congress is an opportunity to learn from global best practices, build strategic relationships and identify initiatives that can contribute to the sustainable development of hockey in Nigeria.”
Agbo also emphasised the importance of translating international engagements into practical progress at home, saying, “The ultimate goal is to ensure that the knowledge and opportunities gained from this congress contribute meaningfully to the development of hockey in Nigeria, particularly in strengthening our structures and creating more opportunities for growth.”
The 50th FIH Congress marks a significant milestone for the international governing body, providing a platform for discussions and decisions that will shape the future of hockey globally.
For Nigeria, the engagement underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing the sport, strengthening its administration and creating a sustainable pathway for hockey development across the country.
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