Newly elected Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) President, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at repositioning Nigerian karate through stronger administration, grassroots development and improved international competitiveness.
Dimkpa said his immediate priority is to reunite stakeholders within Nigerian karate and establish a clear strategic direction for the federation. He plans to convene the new board to begin implementing the federation’s development agenda.
The new president also wants the federation to establish a sustainable pathway for athletes to progress from grassroots participation to elite competition, while improving opportunities for young karatekas across the country.
“Our athletes deserve a united Federation. Our coaches deserve an enabling environment. Our officials deserve the support to perform effectively.”
Focus on Coaches and Technical Officials
A major part of Dimkpa’s plan is strengthening the technical side of Nigerian karate.
The federation intends to introduce continuous education and certification programmes for coaches, referees and technical officials, with the aim of improving standards and ensuring Nigerian representatives can compete effectively at continental and global events.
Dimkpa also identified collaboration with the National Sports Commission, Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK), World Karate Federation (WKF), state associations and development partners as important to achieving the federation’s objectives.
International Competitions and Domestic Development
The federation has already begun preparing for upcoming international competitions, including the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup and UFAK Championships.
More recently, the KFN board approved the establishment of a Nigerian Karate League, designed to provide a structured domestic competition and create more opportunities for athletes to compete regularly in Nigeria. The board also approved a one-year activity calendar running from August 2026 to August 2027.
Nigeria is also scheduled to participate in the 2026 UFAK African Championship in Algeria from September 6 to 13, with the federation directing its technical and administrative officials to begin preparations for the competition.
Governance and Accountability
Dimkpa has also placed emphasis on improving the federation’s governance, promising greater transparency, accountability and professionalism.
The new administration is seeking to strengthen sponsorship and partnerships to improve funding, athlete welfare and infrastructure, while ensuring official federation activities are managed through clearly defined structures.
The KFN board’s inaugural meeting has already resulted in the creation of several committees covering areas such as marketing and sponsorship, competitions, ethics, youth and women, technical development and refereeing.
Dimkpa believes the federation’s success should not be measured solely by the number of medals won, but also by the strength of its institutions, the quality of its programmes and the opportunities created for athletes and other stakeholders.
The new administration has therefore placed unity, grassroots development, technical improvement and stronger governance at the centre of its plan to rebuild Nigerian karate.
