The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has praised Nigerian Taekwondo star Elizabeth Anyanacho after she clinched a historic bronze medal at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China — Nigeria’s first in 20 years.
Anyanacho, ranked Africa’s number one in the women’s -67kg category, produced a brilliant performance to defeat Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two thrilling rounds, 8–6 and 10–9, to book her place in the semi-finals — guaranteeing the country a long-awaited world medal.
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Hon. Olopade described the achievement as a “powerful statement of Nigeria’s resurgence in global sports”, commending Anyanacho’s resilience, dedication, and excellence.
“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 results of our renewed focus on athlete development and sports federation reforms,” Olopade said.
He further noted that the medal symbolizes the beginning of a new era for Nigerian sports, driven by accountability, innovation, and leadership across various 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 toward greater heights,” he added.
The bronze medal win also comes at a pivotal time for Nigerian sports, following the recent election of new federation presidents and boards — including Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, Grand Master Tayo Popoola — who have pledged to strengthen grassroots development and international competitiveness.
Taekwondo now joins the growing list of sports where Nigeria has made remarkable global progress in 2025 — alongside cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, and swimming — underscoring what Olopade calls “a year of sporting renaissance for the nation.”
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