Administrative Lapses Deny Nigeria’s Kalu Chijioke (Jnr) Spot at 2025 FISU World University Games

Posted : 27 July 2025

Nigeria’s taekwondo prospect, Kalu Chijioke (Jnr), has missed the opportunity to represent the country at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany.

The development followed registration failures attributed to alleged poor planning and administrative lapses.

Kalu, a Statistics student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), qualified for the Games after an outstanding performance at the national trials held in April.

The trials, which featured over 500 athletes from 40 Nigerian universities, took place at the NDLEA Academy Ground in Lamingo, Jos, to select Nigeria’s delegation to the Games.

The 2025 FISU World University Games—a global multi-sport event—is currently taking place across six cities in Germany from July 16 to 27.

Kalu was widely regarded as a strong medal contender, having previously secured a bronze medal in the 80kg taekwondo category at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

However, his hopes were dashed due to FUTO’s alleged failure to complete his registration before the official deadline.

Efforts to obtain a comment from FUTO’s Director of Sports, Dr. Nnennaya Anyanwu, were initially unsuccessful. She later stated that the President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) was authorized to speak on matters related to athlete preparations for the FISU Games.

FUTO’s Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chikwendu Orji, said he remained hopeful about the university’s eventual participation, despite the missed registration window.

NUGA President, Prof. Bawa Muhammed, expressed disappointment in the lack of commitment by some universities to international sports development. He confirmed that FUTO failed to pay the required dues in time, which led to the closure of the registration portal.

“This is unacceptable, especially for the future of students who have trained and prepared extensively for this competition.

Our young talents must not be allowed to slip through our fingers,” said Muhammed.

The athlete’s father, CSP Kalu Chijioke (Snr), also expressed his disappointment over FUTO’s handling of the matter. He recalled that the university had produced notable Olympians like Chika Chukwumerije and Elizabeth Anyanacho.

“I owe my son the duty to defend him. As Director of Sports, what else should define your legacy?” he asked.

“Even if the university claims to lack funds, the responsibility still lies with the leadership to advocate for participation in a global event like FISU, which holds enormous potential for both the athlete and the institution.”

He further warned that denying such opportunities—especially in the South-East—could contribute to youth restiveness and frustration.

Administrative Lapses Deny Nigeria’s Kalu Chijioke (Jnr) Spot at 2025 FISU World University Games

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