By Amaechi Agbo
President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola, has praised the performance of Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako Mali, describing the outing so far as encouraging and a reflection of the athletes’ determination and quality.
Speaking from Bamako, Grand Master Popoola noted that the championship has been highly competitive, with athletes from across the continent displaying exceptional technical ability and fighting spirit.
”The event is still ongoing and we have recorded two bronze medals in Kyorugi through Jordan Joel in the heavyweight (+87kg) category and Chidinma Okoko in the (-62kg) division, while our gold medal came from Ability Matthews Udom in the (-57kg) Para event,” she said.
Popoola particularly commended Jordan Joel for his impressive performance at the continental championship.
”Jordan Joel, who is competing in his first African Championship, had to face several Olympic and World Championship medalists. For him to secure a bronze medal under such circumstances shows his tenacity, courage, and immense potential.”
Reacting to the level of participation at the championship, the NTF President revealed that more than 35 countries are taking part in the competition, making the race for medals extremely challenging.
”The event is quite huge because we have more than 35 countries participating here, and you know what that means. It is a very tough competition. Many countries arrived with over 30 athletes, including several international tournament champions. Despite that, Nigerian athletes are competing very well, and I believe we will continue to do well.”
With the Kyorugi events nearing completion, Popoola expressed confidence in Nigeria’s Poomsae team, stating that the athletes have the capability to add more medals to the country’s tally.
”We are still competing in the Poomsae events and we hope to secure medals in various categories. I trust our Poomsae athletes to deliver and improve our position on the medal table.”
As of Tuesday 2nd June 2026 evening in Bamako Mali, Team Nigeria had won a total of four medals at the championship—two gold and three bronze medals—with hopes of adding more before the competition concludes.
