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Taekwondo Itiku, Anyanacho14 others pick 2019 African Games tickets

Published

6 years ago

July 1, 2019

…as NTF opens camp begins July 5

After keenly contested National trials conducted by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) which ended at the weekend in Abuja, 16 taekwondo Athletes out of expected 24 have been confirmed.

Those who automatically booked a place for possible feature at the games to be staged in Morocco this year were top-ranked athletes after series of taekwondo events in recent times. Incidentally, they showed up at the trials, dusted their opponents and emerged champions inside the multi-purpose hall of MKO Abiola National stadium, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Eight others (outside top-ranked athletes) that will join them will be determined after a highly anticipated technical selection led by Technical Director and Olympian, Engr. Chika Chukwumerije and Chairman NTF techninal committee, Alhaji Sani Lawal, on Monday, July 1, 2019. Then, all (including the initial 16 athletes) will be offered call-up, officially.

Already triumphed Athletes In the -46kg, -49kg, -53kg and -57kg of the senior female category, Josephine Esuku of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sekinat Adebayo (team Delta), Chinazum Nwosu (NSCDC) and Chidinma Okoko (NSCDC) stood tall and emerged champions respectively at the end of the trials. It was the same way Vivian Ndu of NSCDC, Elizabeth Anyanacho (FCT), Uzoamaka Otuadinma from Delta and Chiamaka Onumonu (NSCDC) reined supreme in the -62kg, -67kg, -73kg and +73kg respectively. In the senior male division, Abdulateef Arinola from Lagos, Abdulfathi Sanusi, Ifeoluwa Ajayi (both without a team) and Shola Olowookere of Delta state were winners in the -54kg, -58kg, -63kg and -68kg weights respectively. In the -74kg, -80kg, -87kg and +87kg, Bright Kolade of Kebbi state, Peter Ituku (FCT), Sunday Onofe (NSCDC) and Benjamin Okuomose (Nigeria Army) ruled respectively.

Team performance At the end of the trials, NSCDC, a team that has maintained dominance in recent times again produced the highest number of athletes who came tops with a total seven medals comprising of six gold and one bronze. They were followed by team FCT and Delta that were adjudged second and third respectively. While FCT got 5 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and one bronze), Delta nicked four medals (two gold and silver).

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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