By : Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Judo has taken another dimension in Nigeria as David Osaghae an international trainer embarks on a yearly intense training and competition.
The competition was organized to place Nigerian Judokas on international platforms against all odds, For this reason David Osaghae Judo and Sports Foundation Benin City, Edo State set up a preparation ground ahead of the upcoming National Sport Festival.
The event started at 10:00 am saturday, coronated with dignitaries and sports analysts in attendance; thrilled with sophisticated modern facilities for the sport.
The venue can pass for a standard studio for training upcoming Judokas, and for hosting world class judo competitions.
The event was put together by Edo State Global Judokas, Head Quarters in Texas through David Osaghae.
The event started friday 6th December to saturday 7th December 2024 with ten judo teams present on the first day .
The event kicked off with tough moments of intensive fight,three winners emerged .
Edo State Sports Commission won the first position with cash award of one hundred and fifty thousand naira.
Iredia judo club won the second position,gifted one hundred thousand naira
While Rev. Murph Judo club emerged third place with a catch prize of fifty thousand naira .
The cash prizes were transfered to their respective coaches on the spot by Sir David Osaghae .
Osaghae is a multicolor belt holder in the art of judo.
The event was more interesting the second day Saturday 7th December 2024 as Team Edo emerged 1st with an overwhelming five hundred thousand naira ( #500,000.00) cash prize.
Team South East placed second with thousand naira (#300,000.00) cash prize while Team Arewa placed third with Two thousand naira (#200,000.00) cash prize.
All cash prizes were transfered to their respective coaches on the spot by Sir David Osaghae who initiated the judo meet and Solely funded all the winners cash prizes.
Kajido Jonah one of the Team Edo fighters expressed his profound gratitude to Sir David Osaghae, the host and initiator of the Judo Meet, prayed that God almighty will gracefully bless David Osaghae for initiating the program that will hold next year ,been a yearly event.
The coach of the second place Team South East, Dzisah Promise said the event is worth attending, praised the organisers, appreciated all for coming, ‘ We will honour future invitation’ he stated.
The Head coach of Edo State Mr. Lucky Esezobor also expressed his overwhelming feelings ,saying “I am happy that this event is taking place in my time and am hopeful for more to come…” This is just tip of the iceberg and a test-run of a standard judo competition which is a confirmation of David Osaghae’s claim’ he added.
An interview section with the Host David Osaghae wrapped up the competition .
*Words From the Host Sir David Osaghae*
“We are glad the Judo competition has successfully come to an end ,the Judokas did their best. Nigeria judo right now is at it’s lowest level ever as they do not have any quality to win any medal right now, or to even win medals in the continent.
Nigeria judo has to be revamped,says Osaghae.
*Osaghae ‘ recommendation*
Since Nigeria coaches are not been sponsored to attend international serminars ,we have to bring in foreign coaches to educate our coaches.
There is need to hold serminars for our referees to enable them grow the game.
If coaches and referees are ill informed they will take bad decisions, teach improper techniques, Osaghae added.
The competition was full of intrigues that caught the attention of all spectators. No one anticipated an end to the event due to its captivating features.
