African Taekwondo Championship: Olopade rallies athletes as Nigeria begins final selection trials

Posted : 17 May 2026

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has charged Nigerian taekwondo athletes to target podium finishes at the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali.

Olopade gave the charge during a working visit to the ongoing national trials organized by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where athletes from across the country are competing for places in Team Nigeria.

The NSC boss described the trials as another indication of the renewed commitment of the Federal Government towards the development of all sports, stressing that no federation would be neglected under the current sports reforms.

According to him, the Commission’s inclusivity drive is aimed at ensuring every sport receives adequate support, motivation, and visibility ahead of major continental and international competitions.

Olopade noted that Nigeria’s recent successes in sports such as cycling, athletics, weightlifting, and para-sports show the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) reforms.

“I am delighted to witness these trials because they reflect the importance the Commission places on taekwondo. The sacrifices and efforts of athletes representing Nigeria will always be appreciated by the Federal Government,” he said.

He further urged the athletes to remain disciplined, patriotic, and committed as they prepare for the continental championship scheduled for May 28 to June 2 in Bamako.

The NSC Director General also praised the leadership of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation under its president, Tayo Popoola, for what he described as steady growth and improved organization within the sport over the past year.

Responding, Popoola said the visit by the NSC leadership would greatly boost the confidence and morale of the athletes ahead of the championship.

He added that the current leadership of Nigerian sports administration has brought renewed direction and encouragement to federations and athletes across the country.

The national trials continue in Abeokuta with top athletes battling for selection into Nigeria’s squad for the African Championships in Mali.

The final selection trials in Abeokuta serve as a crucial launching pad for the national team's continental ambitions. With structural backing from the National Sports Commission and administrative stability within the federation, the selected athletes possess a solid foundation for international success. Overcoming the elite competition in Bamako will demand peak physical readiness, but the current momentum indicates a promising campaign for the country's martial artists.

African Taekwondo Championship: Olopade rallies athletes as Nigeria begins final selection trials

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