President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola, has described the 2026 National Open Trials as a major success after several promising athletes emerged during the competition.
The federation organised the trials as part of preparations for upcoming international tournaments and long-term athlete development.
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“We discovered many promising athletes,” Popoola said.
According to the taekwondo president, the trials were specifically designed to identify young talents capable of growing into elite competitors for Nigeria in the future.
“The focus is on long-term development,” she implied.
Popoola explained that the federation’s objective is to gradually build a stronger national team capable of competing successfully at major global competitions.
“We want athletes who can win medals internationally,” she noted.
The federation boss also stressed that preparations are already being aligned toward future events including the African Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.
“We are planning beyond today,” she added.
Nigeria continues investing more attention into grassroots combat sports development as federations attempt to discover younger athletes early.
“These athletes need proper exposure and support,” many sports stakeholders believe.
Popoola remains optimistic that the latest crop of talents can grow into world-class performers with the right structures and opportunities.
“There is huge potential among these young athletes,” she stressed.
For the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, the message is clear.
Discover young talents early.
Develop them patiently.
And prepare for long-term international success.
Because future champions are built through planning, development, and consistent investment in youth talent.
