Over 300 athletes attend Nigeria Taekwondo Open Trials

Over 300 athletes participated in the just concluded 2026 National Open Trials at the multi-purpose hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja Abeokuta, Ogun State. President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola, described the three-day event as a huge success, noting that it provided an opportunity to discover fresh talents capable of representing Nigeria […]

Over 300 athletes participated in the just concluded 2026 National Open Trials at the multi-purpose hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja Abeokuta, Ogun State.

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola, described the three-day event as a huge success, noting that it provided an opportunity to discover fresh talents capable of representing Nigeria at major championships.

According to her, the trials were deliberately designed to identify and nurture young athletes who can develop into world-class competitors within the next two to three years.

“The display of talents here at this National Open Trials has wowed me and I am elated to say that our future is bright, looking at the fact that the athletes here are the bedrock that will form our national team to represent us at various international championships,” she said.

Popoola also highlighted the importance of the Kukkiwon Dan Grading certification, noting that the federation recently conducted the grading exercise, which is a key requirement for participation in global Taekwondo competitions.

The federation president also revealed that all arrangements have been concluded for Nigeria’s participation in the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships scheduled to take place in Bamako, Mali, from May 29 to June 2, 2026.