The velodrome of Package A at Moshood Abuja National Stadium, Abuja will come alive this Thursday, as action begins in the 2026 Japanese Ambassador’s Cup Karate Championship, which will hit a climax on Saturday at the same venue, Sports247 gathered.
The high-profile championship, which is annually organised by Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, is expected to bring together some of the country’s best karatekats for three days of intense contests across various categories.
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The karate federation’s head of media, Ohis Asein disclosed in a press release that the competition has been designated as a KFN Ranked Event – Factor 6, thereby making it a very important slot on this year’s calendar and an opportunity for athletes to improve their rankings.
Asein added, “Beyond the competition itself, the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup will also serve as a qualification event for the African Karate Championships (UFAK), scheduled to hold in Algiers, Algeria, from September 6 to 13, 2026.
“The championship is, therefore, expected to attract significant attention from athletes, coaches and officials, as competitors battle not only for honours but also for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the continental championship.
“With this partnership between the Japanese Embassy and Karate Federation of Nigeria, the event is also expected to further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Japan through the development and promotion of karate.”
