Nigeria Makes History with Para, Poomsae Taekwondo Team in Mali
Team Nigeria makes historic debut at 2026 African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali, featuring groundbreaking 13-member squad with Para Taekwondo athletes and Poomsae specialists for the first time. Competition starts Saturday (today) after Friday's weigh-in, with Tayo Popoola expressing confidence in team's ability to compete successfully.
The squad emerged from highly competitive National Taekwondo Federation Open Trials at Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta, which attracted 300+ athletes nationwide. This milestone reflects Nigeria's strategic expansion beyond traditional combat categories, with Federal Government providing full support for the championship.
Team includes Salawudeen Abdulafeez, Harun Usman, Aderibigbe Faridah, Faisal Hamidu, Abeeblahi Oladimeji, Chidinma Okoko, Abogun Modinat, Jordan Joel, Ability Matthew Udo, Faster Bakare, and Samson Ukpera across Kyorugi, Poomsae, and Para categories. John Victor and Santos Akhilele lead as technical coaches.
Beyond Bamako, federation is building toward African Games and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, having completed mandatory Kukkiwon Dan certification for global eligibility. With history already made by Para and Poomsae inclusion, Team Nigeria aims to convert this bold new direction into medals and establish Nigeria as continental powerhouse.
Will this historic team expansion help Nigeria secure more medals in international competitions compared to previous years when only traditional combat categories were represented?