Sports

NTF President Hails NSC as Alegu Begins World Junior Taekwondo Medal Hunt

Published

7 months ago

April 14, 2026

Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support in ensuring Nigeria’s rising star, Solomon Alegu, competes at the World Junior Taekwondo Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

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.

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Sports

Lagos Women Run: Excitement Builds Ahead of Saturday’s TBS Race

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Participants from different walks of life are eagerly looking forward to the Lagos Women Run scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

The participants have expressed excitement about the opportunities and experiences the annual event promises to offer.

Our correspondent reports that, in addition to runners from within Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, some athletes are expected to travel from outside the country to participate in the race.

The organisers are already making preparations for the large number of registered participants, while the possibility of accepting late entries will depend on the timing and other arrangements.

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, said participants should expect an improved experience compared with previous editions.

“We have to continue to get better, as that is the driving force for us as organisers. We will be bigger and better with every edition,” Popoola said.

The 2026 Lagos Women Run will hold on Saturday, November 14, with Tafawa Balewa Square serving as the starting point.

Participants are expected to arrive at the venue by 6:30 a.m. for the event.

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