NTF Targets LA 2028 Olympics, Steps Up Taekwondo Development

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing athletes and securing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The federation’s Vice-President, Godwin Abah, gave the assurance on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 14th Korean Ambassador Cup at the Gymnastics Indoor Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Abah said the federation was focused on identifying emerging talents and improving the competitiveness of established athletes to strengthen Nigeria’s prospects at international competitions.

He noted that the growing pool of talented athletes had raised the standard of competition, making it increasingly difficult for previous champions to retain their titles.

“It’s not just a discovery of new talents. Those who have been around for some time are also competing strongly,” Abah said.

The competition featured more than 40 athletes in Poomsae, including the individual Poomsae, men’s freestyle and women’s freestyle events.

Abah also described the recent classification of Nigerian para-taekwondo athletes by international experts associated with World Taekwondo as a significant development for the sport.

He said the exercise would enable eligible Nigerian athletes with disabilities to participate in international para-taekwondo competitions, creating more opportunities for their inclusion in the country’s sporting system.

On the federation’s development drive, Abah said the current board, led by President Grandmaster Tayo Popoola, was building on the achievements of previous administrations to strengthen taekwondo in Nigeria.

He cited national trials that provided opportunities for athletes to represent the country in Mali, as well as the recently concluded MOB tournament in Lagos, as part of the federation’s efforts to prepare athletes for international assignments.

According to him, the 2026 Korean Ambassador Cup would further support talent identification, athlete development and preparations for future competitions.

Meanwhile, NTF President Popoola commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support, saying the enabling environment provided by the commission had helped the federation advance its programmes.

“The NSC has been wonderful to us, and we hope to sustain the momentum to take taekwondo higher,” Popoola said.