MOB Taekwondo Championship: NTF Hails Strong Turnout Ahead Of Lagos Debut

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has expressed satisfaction with the response from athletes, clubs and schools ahead of the inaugural Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) National Taekwondo Championship in Lagos.

The three-day championship is scheduled to hold from September 18 to 20, with organisers reporting growing interest from taekwondo stakeholders across the country.

The competition, tagged the “Tournament of Unity”, is open to athletes representing states, clubs and schools and is expected to provide another platform for domestic competition and talent development.

NTF President Tayo Popoola said the level of enquiries and registrations had been encouraging, particularly for a championship making its debut.

“Our athletes are eagerly yearning for more competition and the forthcoming MOB National Championship is a timely answer to their calls. The clubs, schools and states have been calling to make enquiries,” Popoola said on Wednesday.

“For an event in its very first edition, the responses are so encouraging and this is enough indication about the forthcoming event.”

The championship is sponsored by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

Popoola said the tournament comes at a significant time for Nigerian taekwondo, with the federation also looking ahead to major international competitions.

“Again, this is coming at a time we are also working towards the next African Games and the Olympic Games. It is a win-win for everyone. The federation is happy, the athletes are happy just as the sponsor is very happy to be presenting a template for the athletes,” she said.

The NTF president said preparations for the Lagos championship were progressing, with registration still open to interested participants.

“Registration is still ongoing and all the people involved are already working round the clock such that we are ready to start the event even tomorrow,” Popoola added.

The championship is expected to bring together athletes from different parts of the country as the federation continues to seek more opportunities for competitive exposure ahead of major continental and global events.