ABEOKUTA – More than 300 athletes showcased their talents at the just concluded 2026 National Taekwondo Open Trials held at the multi-purpose hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta, Ogun State, as the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) intensified preparations for upcoming international championships.
President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, described the three-day event as a huge success, noting that the trials not only exposed fresh talents but also provided a strong platform for building a formidable national team ahead of future competitions.
Speaking after the event, Popoola expressed satisfaction with the quality of performances displayed by athletes throughout the tournament, adding that the federation remains committed to grooming athletes capable of winning medals for Nigeria at the African Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
According to her, the trials was deliberately designed to identify and nurture young talents who can grow into world-class athletes within the next two to three years.
“The display of talents here at this National Open Trials has wowed me and I am elated to say that our future is bright.
“These athletes are the bedrock of the national team that will represent Nigeria at various international championships.”
Popoola also highlighted the significance of the Kukkiwon Dan Grading conducted during the event, explaining that certification remains a major requirement for athletes seeking to compete globally in Taekwondo.
The NTF President, who is the first female black belter in Kukkiwon Dan Grading, said the federation is making steady progress with the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
She commended the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for attending the trials in person and encouraging athletes and stakeholders.
“The National Sports Commission has encouraged us, supported us, and given its appraisal that we are on the right channel. More of this will take us to podium finishes at international events,” she added.
Popoola further disclosed that Nigeria has concluded arrangements for participation at the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships scheduled to hold in Bamako, Mali, from May 29 to June 2, 2026.
She revealed that athletes selected from the Abeokuta trials, including Para athletes, will represent Nigeria in both Poomsae and Kyorugi events.
“Bamako is next. Everything is in place for our participation and this will be the first time we are travelling with a large number of athletes.
“We are grateful to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their support, which shows that we are on the right track.”
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission who attended the closing ceremony of the trials, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of the trials, describing the event as a reflection of the Commission’s growing commitment to the development of Taekwondo in Nigeria.
He assured athletes that their sacrifices and dedication to representing Nigeria on the global stage remain valued by the Federal Government.
Olopade further stressed that Nigeria is witnessing a renewed drive toward sports development and urged athletes to remain focused as they prepare for the forthcoming African Championship in Mali.
“I am happy to witness these important trials which further underscore the importance the Commission places on the sport of Taekwondo.
“Let me assure our athletes that their sacrifices and efforts to represent Nigeria and win medals for the country are not taken for granted by the Federal Government.
“There is now a renewed level of seriousness and commitment to sports development in Nigeria, and I urge all our athletes to remain patriotic, committed and disciplined as they strive for podium success at the African Championship in Mali,” he added.
