Nigeria makes a triumphant return to the World Taekwondo Championship podium after a 20-year absence, thanks to Elizabeth Anyanacho’s bronze medal win in the -67kg category at the ongoing championships in Wuxi, China.
Anyanacho, Africa’s top-ranked athlete in her weight class, secured her place in the semi-finals with impressive wins over Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O., scoring 8-6 and 10-9 in two intense rounds.
This historic achievement marks Nigeria’s first World Taekwondo Championship medal in two decades, signaling a remarkable resurgence for the nation’s taekwondo team on the global stage.
Anyanacho, delivered a stellar performance in the women’s -67kg category, defeating Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two fiercely contested rounds — 8–6 and 10–9, to book her place in the semi-finals.
This achievement comes at a time of renewed optimism within the Nigerian sports ecosystem, following the successful elections of new sports federation leaders, including the new president of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola.
Speaking on the achievement, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended Anyanacho for her resilience and excellence, describing the victory as a “powerful statement of Nigeria’s resurgence in global sports.”
“Elizabeth Anyanacho has reminded the world that Nigeria’s sporting spirit remains unbreakable. Her performance in China is not just a personal triumph but a national victory that reflects the results of our renewed focus on athlete development and sports federation reforms. This medal breaks a 20-year wait and signals a new era for Nigerian Taekwondo. We are incredibly proud of her and of the leadership now steering the federation toward greater heights.”
Taekwondo has joined a long list of international championships that Nigeria has excelled in this year, which includes cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, swimming, etc.
