Olopade Lauds Anyanacho For Returning Nigeria To World Taekwondo Medal Table After 20 Years

The director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended Elizabeth Anyanacho, the African number one in the -67kg category, for her remarkable achievement at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championship in Wuxi, China.

Anyanacho made history yesterday by securing a bronze medal, marking Nigeria’s first medal at the World Taekwondo Championships in 20 years.

In a stunning performance in the women’s -67kg category, Anyanacho triumphed over Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two closely contested rounds, winning 8–6 and 10–9 to advance to the semi-finals and ultimately clinch the bronze medal.

According to a statement from Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media in the Office of the Director General of the NSC, this achievement comes amidst renewed optimism within Nigeria’s sports sector, following recent elections of new leaders in various sports federations, including Tayo Popoola, the newly elected president of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation.

Olopade praised Anyanacho for her resilience and excellence, describing the victory as a “powerful statement of Nigeria’s resurgence in global sports.”

“Elizabeth Anyanacho has reminded the world that Nigeria’s sporting spirit remains unbreakable. Her performance in China is not just a personal triumph but a national victory that reflects the outcomes of our renewed focus on athlete development and reforms within sports federations.

“This medal breaks a 20-year wait and signals a new era for Nigerian Taekwondo. We are incredibly proud of her and of the leadership now steering the federation towards greater heights.”

Taekwondo has joined a long list of international championships where Nigeria has excelled this year, including cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, swimming, and others.

In response to this historic achievement, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, praised Anyanacho’s success as a testament to her hard work and perseverance.

“I have been closely following the championship, and I am overjoyed by Elizabeth’s progress. She has shown immense dedication over the years, and this result confirms that Nigeria is making its mark on the global Taekwondo stage,” Popoola stated.