Tayo Popoola. Photo credit: Nigeria Taekwondo Federation
A 13-member Team Nigeria squad, which includes Para athletes and Poomsae competitors for the first time, has begun its quest at the 2026 African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali, with the competition proper getting underway on Saturday (today) following Friday’s weigh-in.
Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President Tayo Popoola expressed confidence in the contingent ahead of the championships, declaring the team ready to compete and represent the nation with distinction.
Popoola, who is the first female black belter in Kukkiwon Dan Grading in Nigeria, made the declaration on the sidelines of the National Taekwondo Federation Open Trials held at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta, where more than 300 athletes competed over three days in both Poomsae and Kyorugi events.
“We are going to Mali. The Federal Government has done its part; they have given us everything that we need to be in Mali, and for the first time, we are presenting the para and the poomsae, which is one of our new discoveries in taekwondo,” Popoola said. Related News NTF boss confident for African Taekwondo Championships Four Nigerian women in WBC top 10 rankings Handball: HFN unveils 2026 Premier League, 4×4 Champs
