Vice President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Godwin Abba, has revealed that the federation is intensifying efforts to discover and develop young athletes capable of representing Nigeria at major international competitions.
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Speaking on the federation’s long-term vision, Abba said the current leadership is focused on building a larger and more competitive talent pool, with grassroots development at the center of its plans.
“Our priority is to discover new and young athletes who can represent Nigeria at international competitions,” Abba said.
He explained that the federation understands the importance of early talent identification in sustaining success and ensuring continuity in the sport.
“You cannot wait until athletes are fully grown before you start development. You must catch them young,” he added.
According to Abba, the board is committed to working collectively with coaches, schools and regional bodies to expand participation and improve productivity in Nigerian taekwondo.
“We are creating a system where more athletes can be identified, trained and given opportunities to grow,” he stated.
The vice president noted that Nigeria has a rich history in taekwondo, but stressed that maintaining relevance on the international stage requires constant renewal.
“Other countries are investing heavily in youth development. Nigeria must do the same to remain competitive,” Abba said.
He also highlighted the importance of structured competitions and training programmes to expose young athletes to high-level experience early in their careers.
“Regular competitions help athletes gain confidence and understand what it takes to compete internationally,” he explained.
Abba expressed optimism about the future of the sport in Nigeria, pointing to growing interest among young people.
“There is a lot of talent out there. Our job is to find it, nurture it and give it the right platform,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the federation’s commitment to long-term planning rather than short-term success.
“This is about the future. We want Nigerian taekwondo to be strong not just today, but for many years to come,” Abba added.
As Nigeria continues to expand its sporting ambitions beyond football, the Taekwondo Federation’s renewed focus on youth development signals a clear intent to build sustainable success and produce the next generation of international stars.
