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The President of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has declared the 2026 National Open Trials closed, describing the event as a great success that produced new talent and served as vital preparation for the upcoming international championships.
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At the end of the tests, Grandmaster Popoola expressed his satisfaction with the level of performance shown by the athletes throughout the competition.
“The display of talent here at these National Open Trials has captivated me and I am delighted to say that our future is bright, considering the fact that the athletes here are the foundation that will form our national team to represent us in various international championships.”
He noted that the federation is focused on building a formidable team capable of achieving podium finishes at major international events, including the African Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
According to her, the federation deliberately structured the trials to discover and nurture new talents who can become world-class athletes in the next two to three years capable of bringing glory to Nigeria.
Grandmaster Popoola also referenced comments made earlier by Grandmaster Kim Lee regarding Nigeria’s future potential in world Taekwondo competitions.
The first female black belt in Kukkiwon, Dan Grading, maintained that the federation is going in the right direction, especially with the support received from the National Sports Commission.
He praised the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for personally attending the event to encourage athletes and stakeholders.
“It is on the right track because we have the Grand Master here and in Taekwondo, if you remember, we did the qualification of our Kukkiwon Dan Grading and in Taekwondo as a sport, the first thing that anyone in the world must do to participate is to have their certificate, which is the Kukkiwon, and we have done that here.”
He further commended the National Sports Commission for its continued encouragement and support towards the development of Taekwondo in Nigeria.
“The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, was here in person and was overjoyed by the incredible work we have done here.
The National Sports Commission has encouraged us, supported us and appreciated that we are on the right path. More of this will take us to the podium in international events.”
Grand Master Popoola also revealed that all necessary arrangements have been completed for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, scheduled to be held from May 29 to June 2, 2026.
He expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for ensuring that the team is fully prepared for the continental championship.
“Bamako is next. We are going to Mali and the federal government has done its part. Everything is in place to get us there. We will take selected athletes from these trials, including our Para athletes. We will compete in Poomsae, which is one of our main strengths, and in Kyorugi, which is the wrestling event.”
“This is the first time that we are going with a large number of athletes and we thank the National Sports Commission, which shows that we are on the right path.”
More than 300 athletes participated in the 3-day National Open Trials at the multi-purpose hall of the Alake Ijeja Abeokuta Ogun State Sports Centre.
