Taekwondo’s meteoric growth in Nigeria: unlocking a new era of excellence

According to the visionary leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), President Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, Nigeria, is witnessing a Renaissance in Sports of Celebrated less.

The deliberate and inclusive approach of the NSC for sports development has fed an increase in the disciplines that have long operated in the shadows, and in the heart of this revolution is the remarkable growth of Taekwondo.

Following the steps of the Cricket, which recently saw Nigeria U19 girls finish an impressive fifth in the ICC U19 Women’s Cup, Taekwondo has become a rising star.

Thanks to strategic financing, support and international exposure provided by the NSC, Nigerian taekwondo athletes have secured medals in five main international events in 2025 only:
• Slovenia Taekwondo Open (February 22–23) – Plata
• Belgian Taekwondo Open (March 15-16) – Bronze
• European Club Taekwondo Open (April 14) – Gold
• Tallinn Taekwondo Open (April 15) – Gold
• African Taekwondo President Cup (April 25-27) – Plata

Leading this position Elizabeth Anyanacho, the girl from the Nigerian taekwondo poster, who continues to dominate the continent and currently retains her ranking of Africa No. 1. her pioneer form is not only to raise the profile of the sport, but also inspires a new generation of fighters.

The impulse does not stop there. The Federation of Nigeria Taekwondo (NTF) has presented a series of historical achievements and future initiatives, supported by the NSC:
• Four female athletes have been selected to represent Nigeria as part of the guest Junior athletes contingent (IJA) at the next National Sports Festival.
• Dr. Jonathan Nnaji has been chosen first vice president of African Taekwondo, an important diplomatic victory for Nigeria in continental sports politics.
• Nigeria has assured the host rights for the African and Junior Championship of Cadets and Junior of 2025, scheduled for August 4 to 9 in Abuja.
• The “Street Taekwondo” initiative, a first project of its kind in Africa, will be launched soon, with the aim of identifying and promoting talent at the base level.
• World Taekwondo will organize a level 2 coaching certification course in Abuja, admitting only 25 coaches throughout the continent.
• In addition, four Nigerian athletes and a coach have been selected to benefit from the World Oekwondo Olympic solidarity training, submitting the basis for Nigeria’s campaign towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

As the nation prepares for the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Taekwondo does not apply not only as an increasing sport, but as a symbol of what is possible when deliberate policy meets a consistent investment.

Martial art now makes its way in conventional recognition, and with the continuous support of NSC, Nigeria’s future taekwondo seems not only promising, but unstoppable.

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