The inaugural Michael Opeyemi Bamidele National Taekwondo Championship is scheduled to begin in Lagos on September 17, with organisers expecting an exciting competition for fans across Nigeria.
Bamidele backs national taekwondo event
The championship is sponsored by Opeyemi Bamidele, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy. Bamidele, who is now the Senate leader, has previously supported several sporting events and believes sport can help bring people together.
His involvement is expected to add momentum to a tournament designed to create more opportunities for taekwondo athletes and deliver plenty of action for followers of the sport in the country.
Federation welcomes competition
Tayo Popoola, President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, welcomed the initiative and said contributions from sports stakeholders were essential to supporting the government’s efforts to develop sport.
Popoola said the championship had arrived at an important time, with preparations also focused on the next African Games and Olympic Games.
“We are delighted about this competition, and we believe it comes as we continue our preparations for the next African Games and the Olympic Games,” Popoola said.
He added that the maiden tournament should give athletes a positive experience in Lagos while helping officials assess their development and identify potential representatives for future continental and international competitions.
‘Unity’ tournament opens nationwide
The MOB National Taekwondo Championship has been given the title of the “Unity” tournament and is open to participants from across the country.
- States, clubs and schools are eligible to enter the competition.
- Entries must be submitted in team format only.
- Responses from different parts of Nigeria have so far been encouraging.
Popoola said the federation would continue working to ensure the event runs smoothly and without disruption.
