The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has paid a working visit to the national trials of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, urging athletes to target podium finishes at the forthcoming African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako.
The visit, according to the Commission, forms part of the NSC’s inclusivity policy aimed at ensuring all sports receive the necessary attention, support and motivation to excel at continental and global competitions.
Olopade said it was important to demonstrate that every sport matters in the overall development of Nigerian sports under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy reforms.
He noted that the past week had witnessed landmark achievements for the country in different sports, including cycling, weightlifting, para sports and athletics, stressing that the momentum must be sustained across all federations.
“I am happy to be here to witness these important trials, which underscore the importance the Commission places on the sport of taekwondo. Let me assure you all that your efforts to represent Nigeria and win medals for the country are not taken for granted by the Federal Government,” he said.
The NSC boss added that there had been a noticeable shift in the level of commitment President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown towards sports development, urging the athletes to remain patriotic, disciplined and committed in pursuit of their goals.
Olopade also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation under its president, Tayo Popoola, for what he described as the steady growth and stability recorded in the sport over the past year.
In his remarks, Popoola said the Director General’s visit would serve as a major psychological boost for the athletes ahead of the African Championships.
He added that the current leadership of the NSC, led by Olopade and Chairman Shehu Dikko, had repositioned Nigerian sports on the right path.
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation is currently holding its national trials in Abeokuta, where athletes from across the country are competing for spots in Team Nigeria for the African Taekwondo Championships scheduled to hold in Bamako, Mali, from May 28 to June 2, 2026.
