TAEKWONDO: Over 122 athletes from 13 countries set to compete at Nigeria Open

The maiden edition of the World Taekwondo-sanctioned Nigeria Open will be graced by not less than 122 athletes from 13 countries around the world.

According to details of registration, the aforementioned numbers have so far confirmed their participation for the three-day tournament.

The competition is billed to hold in Velodrome, Package A of the Abuja National Stadium, Abuja from February 8 to 10.

One of the Nigeria’s foremost taekwondo coaches, Ahmed Adekola-Kazeem has also expressed his excitement about the staging of the competition in Nigeria.

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Adekola-Kazeem is of the opinion that the tournament would surely put Nigeria in the world map.

“Nigeria Taekwondo is going through some sort of rebirth, which is sorely needed since we have not had encouraging performances in recent international tournaments,” he told the Federation media.

“Having the first ever World Taekwondo sanctioned event in Nigeria is a big boost to Nigeria athletes who are inspired by the status given to the tournament and strive to prove a point by coming out tops on the Medals table.

“Thus, I think that the event would be very competitive and exciting and it would a big loss for any taekwondo athlete that does not register for the Nigeria Open.”

On the possible impact of the tournament on the fortune of taekwondo in Nigeria, the coach said:

“It will definitely help gain the needed exposure at a very little cost. Many Nigeria athletes are not able to afford to go outside the country, so this is an opportunity to compete against more exposed athlete which will brighten our chance of winning laurels at the All Africa Games, World Championships and hopefully the Olympics.

“It will also put the Nigeria Taekwondo federation on the world map and hopefully we will be able to win the right to host the World Championship and Grand Prix in the not too far future.”

Countries expected in Abuja are Saudi Arabia, United States, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Congo DRC, Oman, Senegal, Togo, Guadeloupe and host – Nigeria.

 

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