No fewer than 1,000 athletes and officials from 31 countries are set to compete for honours at the 2025 African Karate Championships in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
During a press conference held at the media centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, yesterday, the president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Mr Silas Agara, announced that the participating countries had arrived with their contingents.
The championship commences today with a technical session for officiating officials and coaches. The event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, July 27.
Mr Agara stated that the championship will be fully sponsored by the Karate Federation in terms of logistics, transportation, and infrastructural needs, while the participating countries will be responsible for their own accommodation.
“Most of the participating countries’ athletes and officials are already in Abuja. With 31 countries and approximately 1,000 athletes and officials, we, as the host country, are ready for the championship. Although it has been quite challenging, all logistical arrangements have been efficient, and we are prepared for the Games,” Agara said.
“The federation is providing infrastructure, transportation, security, and other logistics, but the competing countries will handle their own accommodation needs. We will recommend hotels for them.”
“We have developed karate from its nascent stages to an enviable position in Nigeria, and successfully hosting this championship clearly demonstrates our commitment to the development of karate. Nigeria is the first country in West Africa to host the African Karate Championship,” Agara added.
In further remarks, Agara highlighted that the championship will offer Nigerian athletes the opportunity
to compete against the best in the continent, thereby enhancing their reputation.
“Egypt is bringing some of the best athletes in the world, who are ranked among the top five globally. Our karatekas will be excited to compete against them.”
The technical director of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Dave Jegede, noted that 16 athletes will represent Nigeria at the championship and are eager to make the country proud. “In preparation for this championship, we have held four karate events to ensure our athletes are ready, and I can assure you that they are prepared to make Nigerians proud.”
“16 athletes will represent Nigeria, most of whom are African champions and Commonwealth Games medalists,” Jegede said.
The week-long championship will feature four categories: cadet, junior, senior, and para karate.
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