After two decades off the world medal stage, Nigeria’s Taekwondo team has made a sensational return, thanks to a brilliant performance from Elizabeth Anyanacho at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China.
Anyanacho, the reigning African Champion competing in the -67kg category, delivered a composed yet fierce display, defeating Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two tightly contested rounds — 8–6 and 10–9 — to secure a place in the semi-finals. The result guarantees Nigeria at least a bronze medal, marking the country’s first world podium finish in 20 years.
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President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, praised Anyanacho’s feat, describing it as a triumph of “resilience, commitment, and national pride.”
“I have been following the championship closely and I’m overjoyed with Elizabeth’s progress. She has shown great dedication over the years, and this result proves that Nigeria is returning to the global Taekwondo stage,” Popoola said.
The Federation President expressed full confidence in her ability to go all the way, stating that she is just two victories away from rewriting Nigerian sporting history.
“She has two more fights to become the world champion in the women’s -67kg category. Winning them will make her the first Nigerian ever to claim gold at the World Championships. We are solidly behind her as a Federation and as a nation,” he added.
Anyanacho, who represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will step onto the mat later today for her semi-final bout — carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerians as she aims to turn her bronze guarantee into gold glory in Wuxi, China.
