After many years of absence, Nigeria Taekwondo has secured a place at the forthcoming Olympic in Tokyo, Japan.
It took the guidance of first ever Nigerian taekwondo Olympic medallist Engr Chika Chukwumerije who from cradle propelled inform Elizabeth Anyanacho at the ongoing Olympic qualifier series in Morocco.
Elizabeth who dazzled in blazing style defeated former African Champion, Gabon’s Urgence Mouega 12 – 5.
With this feat, Anyanacho has emerged the first Taekwondo female athlete to qualify for the Olympics since Athens 2004 Olympics, and second ever Nigeria Taekwondo female practitioner, after Princess Dudu , to qualify for the most prestigious sporting event.
On the other hand, Benjamin Okuomose narrowly lost 16 – 19 to Olympic silver medalist and former World Champion, Gabon’s Anthony Obame.
The technical director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Engr Chukwumerije who broke the cheering Olympic qualification story all the way from Morocco however, expressed deep regret after Okuomose lost out by whiskers.
He said, :My heart was broken. He was leading all the way until 12 secs to end of match. The lad did well. Sometimes, one cannot explain the anxiety and pressure an athlete feels. I feel sorry for his shattered Olympics dreams, but it is okay. He now has to fight for the bronze medal.”
Should Okuomose picks the bronze medal he will be on standby in case there is a doping violation by any of the finalists.
Chinazum Nwosu and Ifeoluwa Ajayi, two remaning Nigerians will compete on Sunday.
