Under the visionary leadership of National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, Nigeria is witnessing a renaissance in lesser-celebrated sports. The NSC’s deliberate and inclusive approach to sports development has fueled a surge in disciplines that have long operated in the shadows — and at the heart of this revolution is the remarkable growth of taekwondo.
Following in the footsteps of cricket — which recently saw Nigeria’s U19 girls finish an impressive fifth at the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup — taekwondo has emerged as a rising star.
Thanks to strategic funding, support, and international exposure facilitated by the NSC, Nigerian taekwondo athletes have clinched medals at five major international events in 2025 alone:
• Slovenia Taekwondo Open (Feb 22–23) – Silver
• Belgian Taekwondo Open (Mar 15–16) – Bronze
• European Club Taekwondo Open (Apr 14) – Gold
• Tallinn Taekwondo Open (Apr 15) – Gold
• African Taekwondo President’s Cup (Apr 25–27) – Silver
Leading this charge is Elizabeth Anyanacho, the poster girl of Nigerian taekwondo, who continues to dominate the continent and currently retains her Africa No. 1 ranking. Her trailblazing form is not only raising the profile of the sport but also inspiring a new generation of fighters.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has unveiled a series of landmark achievements and forward-looking initiatives, supported by the NSC:
• Four female athletes have been selected to represent Nigeria as part of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) contingent at the upcoming National Sports Festival.
• Dr. Jonathan Nnaji has been elected 1st Vice President of African Taekwondo, a significant diplomatic win for Nigeria in continental sport politics.
• Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the 2025 African Cadet and Junior Championship, scheduled for August 4–9 in Abuja.
• The “Street Taekwondo” initiative — a first-of-its-kind project in Africa — will launch soon, aimed at identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
• World Taekwondo will host a Level 2 Coaching Certification Course in Abuja, admitting just 25 coaches from across the continent.
• Additionally, four Nigerian athletes and a coach have been selected to benefit from World Taekwondo Olympic Solidarity training, laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s campaign toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
As the nation prepares for the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, taekwondo stands not just as a sport on the rise, but as a symbol of what’s possible when deliberate policy meets consistent investment.
The martial art is now fighting its way into mainstream recognition — and with the continued support of the NSC, Nigeria’s taekwondo future looks not just promising, but unstoppable.
