President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Tayo Popoola, has expressed confidence in the country’s team ahead of the 2026 African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali.
Popoola spoke on the sidelines of the National Taekwondo Federation Open Trials held at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta, where more than 300 athletes competed over three days in the Poomsae and Kyorugi events.
The trials produced the athletes expected to form the core of Nigeria’s contingent for the continental competition, which opens on Friday.
Popoola said the Federal Government had provided all the support required for the trip and revealed that Nigeria would, for the first time, travel with a contingent that includes Para athletes alongside competitors in the Poomsae and Kyorugi categories.
She said: “We are going to Mali.
“The Federal Government has done its part; they have given us everything that we need to be in Mali, and for the first time, we are presenting the para and the poomsae, which is one of our new discoveries in taekwondo.”
Highlighting the size of the delegation, Popoola added: “This is the first time we are travelling with such a large contingent, and it shows that Nigerian Taekwondo is moving in the right direction.”
The federation president said the development aligns with plans to build a national team capable of competing for medals at future African Games and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Popoola also pointed to the successful completion of a Kukkiwon Dan certification exercise in Nigeria, describing it as a major step for athletes seeking to compete internationally.
She said: “In Taekwondo, athletes must possess recognised Kukkiwon certification to participate globally, and we have successfully completed that process here in Nigeria.”
Among dignitaries present at the trials were National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade; World Taekwondo Federation representative and World Taekwondo Masters Union president, Grand Master Kim Lee; and Ogun State Taekwondo Association chairman, Olori Omoshalewa Aboderin-Olubusi.
Lee expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects in the sport, saying the commitment shown by stakeholders and athletes could translate into success on the international stage.
