Sports

Nigeria Prioritizes Cadet and Junior Development – Karate President

Published

2 months ago

July 25, 2025

…As Stakeholders Applaud Successful Hosting of Africa Karate Championship in Abuja
By Joel Ajayi

As action commenced on Day One of the ongoing 2025 Africa Karate Championship in Abuja, with over 34 countries in attendance, the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Silas Agara, disclosed that Nigeria’s primary focus remains the development of cadet and junior athletes who will represent the nation at the Olympics and other global events.

Speaking during the championship, Agara emphasized that the tournament offers a golden opportunity for Nigeria to nurture young talents with the determination and potential to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

“We are investing our time and resources in the cadet and junior categories. These young athletes are the future of karate in Nigeria, and we believe they have what it takes to compete at the highest levels globally,” Agara stated.

He further revealed that plans are underway to register Nigeria’s young athletes for an international event scheduled for October, which will serve both as a preparatory platform and an opportunity to earn points toward qualification for the World Championship.

Commenting on Nigeria’s hosting of the tournament, Agara—who was recently elected as the 4th Vice President of the African Karate Federation—disclosed that although Nigeria did not initially bid to host the championship, the country has exceeded expectations in delivering a world-class event.

“We never bid for this championship because stronger nations like Libya, Egypt, and Morocco had already shown interest. But to the glory of God, we have hosted one of the best African Karate Championships ever,” he said.

“We have the best mats on display, an exceptional ambiance, and arguably the finest medals ever presented in the history of African karate championships.”

Agara credited the success of the tournament to the unwavering support of the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission. He also commended Nigerian athletes for their impressive performances and praised the participation of 34 countries—a rare feat in African sports championships.

“We’re proud of our athletes and grateful for the unity this championship has brought to African karate,” he added.

Agara reaffirmed the federation’s strong commitment to grassroots development across the country.

Meanwhile, stakeholders and dignitaries from around the world, including the President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), Antonio Espinós, expressed high praise for the facilities and overall organization of the event.

“I am impressed by the edifice and top-notch facilities here in Abuja. The standards are very high,” Espinós remarked.

Similarly, the newly elected President of the Union of Africa Karate Federation (UAKF), Souleymane Gaye, also lauded Nigeria for hosting a befitting championship, describing the facilities as “world-class” during a televised interview on NTA.

On the competitive front, Team Nigeria delivered an impressive performance on Day One of the championship, clinching five medals to finish second on the medals table.

Nigeria’s medal haul included one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, reaffirming the country’s growing stature on the continental karate scene.

The 2025 Africa Karate Championship, currently ongoing in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has drawn elite athletes from across the continent in a vibrant celebration of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.

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Sports

FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification

Published

12 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums

Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.

Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.

In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”

He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.

“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”

Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT

Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.

“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.

Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.

“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”

The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.

He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development

As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.

“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”

Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.

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