President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, has declared the 2026 National Open Trials closed, describing the event as a huge success that produced fresh talents and served as vital preparation for upcoming international championships.
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Speaking at the end of the trials, Grand Master Popoola expressed delight at the level of performance displayed by athletes throughout the competition.
“The display of talents here at this National Open Trials has wowed me and I am elated to say that our future is bright, looking at the fact that the athletes here are the bedrock that will form our national team to represent us at various international championships.”
She noted that the federation is focused on building a formidable team capable of achieving podium finishes at major international events, including the African Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
According to her, the federation deliberately structured the trials to discover and nurture new talents who can develop over the next two to three years into world-class athletes capable of bringing glory to Nigeria.
Grand Master Popoola also referenced the remarks earlier made by Grand Master Kim Lee concerning Nigeria’s future potential in global Taekwondo competitions.
The first female black belter in Kukkiwon Dan Grading maintained that the federation is moving in the right direction, especially with the support being received from the National Sports Commission.
She commended the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for personally attending the event to encourage athletes and stakeholders.
“It’s on the right track because we have the Grand Master here and in Taekwondo, if you remember, we did the grading of our Kukkiwon Dan Grading and in Taekwondo as a sport, the first thing for anyone to participate around the world is to have your certificate, which is the Kukkiwon, and we have done that here.”
She further praised the National Sports Commission for its encouragement and continuous support toward the development of Taekwondo in Nigeria.
“The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, was here in person and he was full of joy for the amazing work we have put in here.
The National Sports Commission has encouraged us, supported us, and given its appraisal that we are on the right channel. More of this will take us to podium finishes at international events.”
Grand Master Popoola also revealed that all necessary arrangements have been completed for Nigeria’s participation at the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, scheduled to hold from May 29 to June 2, 2026.
She expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for ensuring that the team is fully prepared for the continental championship.
“Bamako is next. We are going to Mali and the Federal Government has done its part. Everything is in place that will take us there. We will be taking athletes selected from these trials, including our Para athletes. We will compete in Poomsae, which is one of our major strengths, and Kyorugi, which is the fighting event.”
“This is our first time going with a large number of athletes and we are grateful to the National Sports Commission, which shows that we are on the right track.”
Over 300 athletes featured at the 3 days National Open Trials at the multi-purpose hall of the Alake Sports Center Ijeja Abeokuta Ogun State.
