NSC Director General Olopade Urges Nigerian Taekwondo Athletes To Aim For Podium Success At African Championship In Mali

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has visited the national trials of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, imploring the team to strive for podium success at the African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali.

The Director General’s visit forms part of the NSC’s inclusivity policy, ensuring every sport receives the attention, support, and motivation required to excel at major continental and global championships.

Mr Olopade stated that it is crucial to demonstrate that every sport truly matters to the overall growth of Nigerian sports under the “Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy” (RHINSE) reforms.

He highlighted that this commitment explains the past week’s significant achievements for the country in various sports, including cycling, weightlifting, para-sports, and athletics.

“I am delighted to be here to witness these important trials, which underscore the importance the Commission places on the sport of Taekwondo. Let me assure you all that your efforts to represent the country and win medals for Nigeria are not being taken for granted by the Federal Government.”

He emphasised, “As you will have noticed, there’s a shift in the level of seriousness President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is giving to sports that has not been witnessed in the country for a long time. This is why I urge all of you to remain patriotic, committed, and disciplined at all times to achieve your goals.”

The Director General also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, led by its President, Tayo Popoola, for the sport’s steady and stable growth over the past year.

Meanwhile, Tayo Popoola, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, said the Director General’s visit would significantly motivate the athletes psychologically ahead of the African Championship.

“What the Director General has done today cannot be quantified, and over the years, these have been some of the missing pieces in the administration of sports in Nigeria. I am not at all surprised because the duo of Hon. Bukola Olopade and Mallam Shehu Dikko have truly repositioned Nigerian sports on the right path.”

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation is currently holding its national trials in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where athletes from across the country are vying for a place in the Team Nigeria squad heading to Bamako, Mali. The African Championship is scheduled to take place from 28th May to 2nd June 2026.