African, Commonwealth Champions Brace Up For 3Rd CCSF International Taekwondo Open In Abuja

With the equipment meant for the third Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Open already in the country, medalists at the 2015 African Games are eagerly waiting to taste action when the tournament begins on October 24 in Abuja.

From the only gold medalist in Nigeria in taekwondo at the 2015 African Games, Uzoamaka Otuadinma to the Silver medalist Nwosu Chinazum, the CCSF Open would surely afford them the opportunity to rub shoulders with the continent’s best fighters ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics Qualifiers in Morocco next year.

“I am indeed looking forward to the CCSF Open because it will afford us the opportunity to test our strength against some of the best athletes in Africa. Apart from aiming for the gold, it will help most of us to be focused ahead of the Olympics qualifiers particularly the use of the electronic head gear which we will be using for the first time as athletes. I know it is not going to be easy but I am eager to do better than the bronze medal I won in 2014 when the second edition of the championship was held,” 25 year-old Otuadinma said.

Chinazum believes the tournament would provide the right platform for them to hone their skills. “CCSF International championship Open has been the best championship and I confess it is perfect for Nigerian athletes,” she said.

For Otuadinma, making it to the Rio 2016 Olympics remains her priority but competing at the CCSF Opens would have put her in good shape as well as the right frame of mind for the Olympics qualifiers holding in Morocco next year.

Commonwealth silver medalist, Adaeze Asigbe opines that the presence of athletes from other African countries would give Nigeria athletes the chance to test their might against the continental best. “A very good tournament that has thrown a bigger challenge to Nigerian competitors owing to the fact that they had the chance to face good athletes from other countries,” she said.

Also athletes from Niger Republic explained that the tournament has become the best in Africa. “The most fantastic tournament in Africa,” said Mohammed Toure.

Meanwhile, Daedo Electronic Head Gear and body gear System expected to be used for the tournament have arrived from Spain, while Dartfish Video Replay System and a foreign technician will be flown in from Egypt to handle the system.

To inspire the athletes, free taekwondo uniforms which have been imported from South Korea will be given to first 100 persons to register as a way to empower athletes through equipments. The medals and trophies have also arrived from South Korea.

N2.6m at stake as registration commences for CCSF International Taekwondo Opens

Over N2.6m will at be at stake as the registration for the 3rd Chika Chukwumerije Sports Festival (CCSF) International Taekwondo Opens begins for athletes and teams.

The three-day championship holds at Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotel Abuja from October 22 to 27, 2015.

According to CCSF, the tournament is aimed at discovering prospective athletes for the Rio 2016 Olympics, showcase the entertainment potential of a well-organized sporting event, and promote the image of Nigeria to foreign visitors.

This year’s edition is expected to be more entertainment-oriented with the award ceremony shifted to a third day to coincide with a musical concert, and table-tennis matches planned alongside a FIFA mini-tournament for PS 4 lovers to run concurrently with the main event.

The last edition, which received a commendation from the National Sports Commission (NSC) had over nine countries, 26 states, eight Universities, as well as teams from the Para Military and Armed Forces participating.

The numbers are expected to be higher in this year’s edition with 12 countries expected to grace the event, in addition to active participation from the Nigeria Taekwondo community.

The tournament, which is set to apply to gain a World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) G-1 ranking status for 2016, is expected to attract over 1200 spectators during the three-day tournament with a total prize money of N2.8m alongside free equipment worth over N1m, which is to be given to medalists and participants.

Some notable champions expected at the event include 2014 US Opens Gold Medallist, Alfaga Abdoul-Razak Issoufou [+87kg] of Niger Republic [ranked 22 in the World], 2015 Grand Prix Champion, Cheick Salah Cisse [-80kg] of Cote D’Ivoire [ranked 11 in the World], double World Bronze Medallist [2013, 2015] and current Africa Champion, Ismael Coulibaly [-74kg] of Mali [ranked 19th in the World], amongst others.

Nigeria Champions expected to fend off both local and international competition include Commonwealth Gold Medalists, Josephine Esuku [-46kg], Jamilu Mohammed [-58kg], Shola Olowookere [-63kg] and Isah Adams Abubakar [-58kg], all National Team members expected to fight at the All African Games in a fortnight.

Ahead African Games: Former Africa Champion Boosts Taekwondo Team…

Ahead African Games: Former Africa Champion Boosts Taekwondo Team, Showers N.2M On Contingent

Two-time African Games gold medalist, Margaret Elizabeth Binga, in company of fellow African Champion, Chika Chukwumerije, stormed the National Taekwondo Camp in Abuja to inspire and share first-hand knowledge with the chosen athletes to the Taekwondo event of the 2015 All Africa Games, holding in Congo Brazzaville in a fortnight.

Over the weekend, the retired maestro, who is also the current Vice-President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation and a World Taekwondo Federation International Referee, who will also be officiating at the 2015 AAG donned her Taekwondo gear to share tactical and practical fighting tips with the team, who are currently camped in Abuja.

Mrs Binga in action against Fatimoh Abdullahi [-57kg]

Mrs Binga explained why she flew down just to see the athletes.

“The aim is to use our past Champions to inspire the future ones, and to transfer real knowledge that would be of use to the Nigeria representatives. Being an official for the 2015 AAG and an official at almost every major WTF tournament this year, i felt it was important and a duty to pass down my knowledge and experience to our next generation of stars.”

Head of the NTF Coaching Department, Tony Anafulu was also present alongside the two of indigenous coaches – John Victor and Abdul-malik Mohammed – who will be leading the team to Congo Brazzaville, and have been working very hard over the past weeks with the team.

Mrs Binga, who is also an officer with the Nigeria Customs Service, and to be inducted into the World Taekwondo Hall of Fame next month was quick to recognize and praise the efforts of the indigenous coaches.

NTF Vice-President illustrates a legal technique to the athletes

“The Coaches are doing a good job so far, and I know the tactical tempo will be raised in the remaining two weeks to get the team battle-ready. Meanwhile I will continue to give the technical crew and athletes all the support I can.”

The athletes’ expressed their joy to our correspondent through the Female Captain, 21 year old Chinazum Nwosu who competes in the -52kg, and is the current National Champion in that weight category.

“We learnt valuable tips that would hopefully make a difference in Congo, and the Vice-President went one step further in matching her words with action by the token she gave to the team.”

“The VP came here, gave us valuable competition tips and crowned it with all with N200, 000 as a motivational token. Our morale has been reinvigorated and we are determined to do our best to make Nigeria proud at the AAG.” Ms. Chinazum declared.

NTF Vice-President illustrates a legal technique to the athletes

Final list includes: defending AAG Gold Medallists, Uche Chukwumerije [+87kg], who will captain the 16-man team, and Jamilu Mohammed [-58kg].

Other AAG medallists that make the team are 2011 AAG Bronze Medallist, Sunday Onofe [-80kg], and 2011 Bronze Medallist, Joy Ekhator [-49kg] who also won a Silver in the 2007 edition.

Commonwealth Gold Medallists, Abubakar Isah Adamu [-54kg], Josephine Esuku [-46kg]. Other Commonwealth Medallists that made the team were Segun Olushola [-74kg] and Uzoamaka Otuadinma [-72kg].

Other members of the team include: Edwin Samson Nduka (-63kg), Kolade Paul (-68kg), Ayodele Temitope Ebenezer (-87kg), Chinazum Nwosu (-52kg), Fatimoh Abdullahi (-57kg), Ndu Vivian (-63kg), Ifeoma Dennis (-67kg), and Esther Uzoukwu (+73kg)

The Taekwondo event of the 2015 African Games will be taking place 16 – 19 August 2015.

Why I Set Up Team CCSF – Chukwumerije

After launching Team Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) in Abuja on Monday, 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist, Chika Chukwumerije has said that the aim of the team is to engage the youth in meaningful activities that will affect them positively.

Speaking at the well-attended event on Monday, the 2007 All Africa Games gold medallist said: “It is true that one of our goals is to produce National Champions within the first three years, continental Champions within the first six years and Olympic medallists within the first decade. However, this is not what our focus will be on. Our focus will be to help young people discover and express themselves. Our focus is to help young people learn a lot of soft skills not taught in traditional learning institutions. Our focus will be on building their character, and helping them appreciate all the virtues that mankind holds dear – humility, hard work, kindness, team work, indomitable spirit, loyalty, patriotism, courage and many more.”

He added: “This is what drives TEAM CCSF: the desire to see young people come to us with empty minds, and end up have open minds that see opportunities to be harnessed from every situation and challenge. We teach them to fight hard, to fight strong and to fight fair; we teach them to look adversity in the face, and refuse to back down; we teach them to be kind and honest, patient and hardworking. We teach them to constantly improve themselves and learn new things. We teach them to watch out for each other and be the ultimate selfless team players.”

For 18-year old, Itiku Peter, the event is a dream come true. “Since we started training a few months ago, we feel a lot more confident about the future. We do not just do only taekwondo training, but we do many other activities, like language course, event management courses and sabon Chika is also hammering us on our behaviour and character”

Team Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation

Also 13 year old Bukola Ogunnusi, a senior class two student of the Government Secondary School, Garki, described the launching as an avenue for her to build herself. “This is like the second event we have had in 3 weeks. We have learnt so much about organzing events, and it has built our character. We love the hard training, and all the extra activities that go with it. We are very happy and hope we can get a lot of support for our team.”

Some of the dignitaries that attended the event included Dr Mrs Toyin Aluko, representing the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC); Alhaji Alim Mohammed, Director of Sports, FCT Sports Department; Principal of G.S.S Garki Abuja, Mrs Veronica Okonkwo, Assistant Head of the NSC Coaching Department, Mrs Jideonwu George.

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) Board Members representing the North-Central, North-West and North-East, Mr Tony Anafulu, Alhaji Muh’d Maccido Garba and Mr Ado Umar Garko, were also present, alongside the 1st Vice-Chairman of FCT Taekwondo Association, Mr Abdulmunin Yusuf.

Chukwumerije launches Team CCSF in Abuja

To fulfil his dream of grooming educated taekwondo champion, three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije will today in Abuja launch Team Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF).

According to the 2008 Beijing Olympics medallist, the launching will be attended by the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) as well as officials of FCT Education Board and it holds at Government Secondary School, Garki.

“TEAM CCSF [Taekwondo] is a youth-oriented team whose objective is to Produce National, Continental and Olympic Champions in its ranks within the first decade and to ensure its Members continue and finish their formal education (secondary and tertiary) to a logical end. It also aims to engage its members with extra-curricular learning activities i.e. language courses, event management courses, networking forums and to enhance their out-of-school learning experience,” Chukwumerije said.

5TH Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation Training Workshop,

He added: “The launch is a culmination of a long year of recruitment and engagement of young Nigerians, with select G.S.S schools at the heart of this exercise, and executed totally free of charge. It is therefore with pleasure that we expect your company at the launch to celebrate your youthful generation, whose development so far in the sport is as a result of our collective engagement.

The event will also be attended by the board of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) led by its president, George Ashiru.

“The above objective is in line with the vision of the Foundation which is to “produce educated champions and inspire the future” through the Olympic sport of Taekwondo. TEAM CCSF is one such vehicle CCSF intends to use to achieve this vision,” the All Africa Games champion said.

CCSF Taekwondo Workshop Thrilled Athletes

The 40 participants at this year’s Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) taekwondo workshop concluded in Abuja at the weekend believe the training exercise has enriched their knowledge of the sport.

The three-day workshop which was the fifth edition was well attended by taekwondo experts across the country including some board members of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF).

For Dickson Adoga of Benue State, attending the camp has afforded him the opportunity to increase his confidence as understand the new techniques in the sport.

Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) taekwondo workshop 5th edition

“The workshop is an avenue for me to train myself to become a champion because I gained a lot of experience and I learnt new techniques of taekwondo. For me I feel CCSF is an avenue to become a champion like Chika Chukwumerije, who is using his time and resources to nurture champions for the country,” Adoga said.

Also, Kehinde Olawoyin of Oyo State said the exercise has widened his knowledge of the sport as well as made him to realize that he must take his education serious while competing as an athlete.

Olawoyin said: “It is an opportunity to learn things and develop on the ones you already know. First of all, I learnt how to become a team player. I learnt how to combine sports and education, and also planning an event. I feel CCSF is still the best NGO that caters for my teammates and I. Programmes like this are not easy and it takes a good heart to organize one.”

For 19 year-old University of Lagos undergraduate, Nurudeen Hassan, the training has provided him a platform to relate with other athletes across the country.

“It is a huge stepping stone for my career in taekwondo. The endurance training, poomsae and fitness training will go a long way in me. CCSF is a very good platform for athletes but I would love it to be extended to other states. I see that they are updated on taekwondo information, equipment and technology which I have never used before,” Hassan revealed.

Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) taekwondo workshop 5th edition

For 13 year-old Bukola Ogunnusi, the efforts of CCSF must be supported as their programmes would surely help to unearth talents and give the right orientation to athletes.

“It is a big deal for me attending the workshop because I interacted with people from all walks of life, and I learnt a lot of taekwondo skills from national coaches and grandmasters. Aside this, a lot of things like my basic poomsae, and lot of kicks that I never knew existed were leant. I feel that CCSF is a great team and their efforts with the programme would build a lot of champions for Nigeria,” Ogunnusi said.

40 YOUNG ATHLETES SET TO STORM ABUJA FOR 5TH CCSF TRAINING WORKSHOP

The Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) is set to kick-off its annual taekwondo training workshop tagged the 5th CCSF Training Workshop for Under-20 athletes, from 4th – 6th June, 2015, at FCT Abuja.

Forty participants across Nigeria are expected to converge from Wednesday, 3rd June, for the 5th edition of this workshop series which began in 2010 and has since become a watering ground for upcoming taekwondo champions. The intensive 3-day workshop includes physical fitness training, tactical and technical sessions, where participants will be taught current training methods, techniques using the latest equipment.

Furthermore, special inspirational sessions will be conducted during the program that allows interactions between the young participants and two iconic taekwondo figures in Nigeria – 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Ms. Josephine Esuku and 3-time NUGA Gold Medallist, Alhaji Sani Lawal.

Chika Chukwumerije camp

In another academic-like session, Technical Coordinator of the program, Chika Chukwumerije, who holds an MSc. In Operations and Supply Chain Management, and successfully organizes well-planned Taekwondo events, will hold an Event Management Course to expand the knowledge base and soft skills of the participants.

According to the Chief Program Host of the event, Mr Tony Anafulu, who is a Board Member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation representing the North Central Zone, and joint-partner in this CCSF-driven project, “the program is specifically designed to complement the fantastic work being done by coaches all across the country in raising young athletes, by increasing the technical and tactical knowledge of participants.”

For the co-program Host, Mr Ado Umar, also a board member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation representing North East and a part-time lecturer with University of Education Kano, the importance of the intellectual tilt of this event cannot be over-emphasized.

He noted that “with most of the participants to come from school and university settings, a critical objective of the program will be “to ingrain in young upcoming taekwondo athletes the importance of combining sports and education.”

5TH Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation Training Workshop,

Speaking about the objectives of the event, Programme Coordinator, Mr Abdul-Malik Mohammed, who is also Head Taekwondo Coach at the Korean Cultural Centre and a member of the National Coaching Crew said, “the objective is to physically, mentally and psychologically prepare young upcoming taekwondo athletes for a career in the Olympic sport of Taekwondo.”

Going further, Mr Mohammed reiterated that during the course of the event, the adolescent participants are expected to be inspired and encouraged through the real-time interaction with national champions and mentors via a lecture series.”

Past participants of this event include 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medallists, 18-year old Isah Abubakar Adamu and 17-year old Shola Olowookere, and a few others that are gaining ground at senior national competitions.

For CEO of CCSF, Chika Chukumerije, “the most important thing is to keep engaging these young ones, and exposing them so as to develop the wonderful talents they have, and most importantly starting to treat them now like the champions we know they are.”

WTF World Championships: Chukwumerije Makes Quarters To Finish In Top Eight

Chika Chukwumerije returned to the top cadre at global level when the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medalist made it to the quarterfinal stage of the ongoing World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) World Championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia to finish in the top eight of the men’s +87kg category.

Chukwumerije, who managed to make it to the round of 16 at the last edition of the tournament defeated some top rated athletes including European championship silver medalist and 2013 bronze medalist at the world championship.

From the first round of the men’s +87kg, the grieving 2011 All Africa Games silver medalist defeated Canada’s Jordan Steward 3-0 to progress to the round of 32.

In the round of 32, he battled 2013 World Championship bronze medalist, Slovakia’s Ivan Trajkovic and he prevailed against the European at 7-6.

In the round of 16, he confronted another European Championships silver medalist, Croatia’s Vedran Golec and against the 31-year-old Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) graduate emerged victorious with a 5-3 win.

Chika Chukwumerije

In the quarterfinal tie, he was set up against his 2012 London Olympics conqueror, Cuba’s Robelis Despaine and the encounter lived up to expectation but the Cuban prevailed at 9-4 to end Chukwumerije medal’s dream.

An excited President, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), George Ashiru, described Chukwumerije’s performance as a confirmation of his status as one of the best in the world.

“Chika proves that he is still world class. In the international scene, he is one of the few Beijing generation champions still in the world’s top 20. That is testament to his work ethics and professionalism and experience. That should serve as inspiration to upcoming athletes,” the NTF boss said.

“The World Championships carries three times as many points as the All Africa Games. That is how important it is to improve your world rankings. Two years ago, Chika was in the last 16 and it was good enough to be ranked top 20 in the world. With this performance of being in top eight he will regain much momentum which if he so desires and is still passionate about training and competition will keep him in contention if he gets back on the Grand Prix Circuit,” he added.

However, Chukwumerije’s compatriot, Saturday Martala was unlucky as he fell 15-7 to Kazakhstan’s Smaiyl Duisebay in the men’s -87kg in the first round.

On Monday, May 18, another Nigerian, France-based Mohammed Murtala will face Tajikistan’s Farkhod Negmatov in the first round of the men’s -80kg.

Nigeria for WTF World Championships in Russia

Nigerian team will return to the international stage at the World Taekwondo Federation(WTF)-organised World Championships holding this week in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Three experienced athletes led by Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije will hoist Nigeria’s flag at the global tournament, where athletes are expected to garner points for their final qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

United States-based Saturday Bashir and France-based Murtala Mohammed will be on duty at the tournament kicking off tomorrow at Traktor Arena in Chelyabinsk.

Besides Nigeria, some top African teams like Gabon, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia are also using the tournament as a tune-up to this year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

According to the President, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), George Ashiru who was at yesterday’s WTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) said the team’s build up was hampered by the political and economic situation in the country.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

He however ruled out prospect of medals. “Our chances are much slimmer than usual because we didn’t have the luxury and indeed necessity of a formal training camp you would expect from the biggest event of the year. We had expected to camp our athletes for two months prior to the now rescheduled National Sports Festival, use the festival to test these preparations, and then take only the athletes that demonstrated ability for the nature of the event. None of these opportunities were afforded us early in the year. So, training was informal open camp, and some bureaucratic bottlenecks also hampered our final push for sponsorship of the full national team. Therefore, we won’t have similar results as we would ordinarily expect with proper preparation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the WTF Council has decided on the host cities of upcoming taekwondo championships and announced key appointments, including the organization’s new secretary general.

Muju, Korea, beat out Turkey’s Samsun to host the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships, while American Hoss Rafaty was named the new secretary general of the WTF.

The WTF Council also approved Mexico as the host country of the 2016 WTF World Junior Taekwondo Championships, and Lima, Peru as the host city of the 2016 WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.

Taekwondo Team to the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Games [L-R: Judith Usifoh, Adaeze Asigbe, Chiamaka Onumonu, Shola Olowookere, Sunday Onofe, Chinazum Nwosu, Jamilu Mohammed, Josephine Esuku, Shola Olushola, Adamu Abubakar Isah, Ebere Blessing Nwakanma and Team Captain & Athlete-Coach, Chika Chukwumerije]. Uche Chukwumerije and Murtala Mohammed are not in the picture

Also WTF has announced the appointment of Hoss Rafaty as the WTF Secretary General during the WTF Council meeting in Chelyabinsk, Russia, ahead of the 2015 WTF World Taekwondo Championships.

Hoss Rafaty has served as a special assistant to the WTF President since 2007 as well as President of the WTF International Foundation since 2008 and Chairman of the WTF Expansion Committee since 2009. As co-founder and President of Yumi Ice Cream Co., Hoss Rafaty will also bring extensive commercial business experience to his new role. He was awarded a taekwondo 3rd Dan by the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) before moving to the WTF.

Taekwondo Federation Mourns Patron Chukwumerije

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has described the death of its patron, Senator Uche Chukwumerije has a big loss to the sport in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its president George Ashiru, the NTF highlighted the immense contribution of the lawmaker, towards popularising the sport.

he Chukwumerije brothers

“The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation regretfully announces the passing away of Senator Uche Chukwumerije, a founding father and patron of the Federation. Senator Chukwumerije was a 5th Degree black belt issued in Korea, and spawned a family of 8 black belts many of whom were national and international champions. These include the late Kwame Chukwumerije, who at 15, in 1987 was considered good enough to be invited to the national team for then world championships. His others sons Uche and Chika have both been African Games champions and Chika has gone on to do the country even more proud picking a Bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games.

He added: “Late Senator Chukwumerije, was a former President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College, and was part of the team of leaders who agitated for the official recognition of Taekwondo by the National Sports Commission in 1987. He singlehandedly sponsored the 2007 Nigerian Team to the 2007 Olympic Qualification Tournament, amongst many others. He also singlehandedly hosted and rewarded the 2011 African Games team at a gala event in Abuja.

Senator Uche Chukwumerije

“He is famous for his political leadership as part of the National Assembly’s “Integrity Group”, while serving as a 4 term Senator. He was also a former Minister of Information in the 1990s. On behalf of the entire Taekwondo community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chukwumerije family, and may the soul of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije rest in peace,” Ashiru said.

CHUKWUMERIJE URGES EARLY PREPARATIONS FOR ALL AFRICA GAMES…

CHUKWUMERIJE URGES EARLY PREPARATIONS FOR ALL AFRICA GAMES…As Tunisia, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt Impress at AFTU & Luxor Opens

3-time Olympian and Board Member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Chika Chukwumerije has urged for early preparations to commence for the All Africa Games, scheduled to hold in Congo Brazzaville from 4 – 20 September, 2015.

Chukwumerije made this call, after observation of the alarming progress being made by African rivals at the just concluded AFTU International Taekwondo Opens and Luxor Opens held in Egypt.

2015 US Opens Gold Medallist, Abdoulrazak Alfaga of Niger Republic and Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Abubakar Isah Adamu of Nigeria

At the G-1 ranked AFTU Opens, Tunisia won three medals – 2 Gold & 1 Silver; Cote D’Ivoire won two medals – 1 Gold, 1 Bronze; Morocco won two medals – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze; Hosts Egypt won 8 medals – 3 Silver 5 Bronze.

Ruth Gbagbi of Cote D’Ivoire claimed the Gold medal in the female -62kg, Ben Ali Rahma of Tunisia took the Gold in the female -53kg, while her male counterpart, Queslati Oussama, won the Gold in the -80kg category, dramatically beating 5-time World Champion and 2-time Olympic Gold Medallist, Steven Lopez of USA in the semi-finals en route to his golden victory.

At the G-2 ranked Luxor Opens, Tunisia won two medals – 1 Gold, 2 Silver; Egypt won two medals – 1 Gold, 1 Bronze; Cote D’Ivoire won two medals – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze.

Chukwumerije was not only impressed by the medals won, but also by how they were won.

Taekwondo Competitors in action during the 1st AFTU International Taekwondo Opens

“Morocco came with two athletes to the AFTU opens, and won two medals. Cote D’Ivoire came here with three athletes, won two medals at AFTU Opens, and again won two medals at Luxor Opens. En route to a victory, Cote D’Ivoire’s cheick Sallah Cisse beat Steven Lopez of USA, a 5-time World Champion and 2-time Olympic Gold Medallist, and also established veteran Damon Sansum of Great Britain en route to the finals.

“Tunisia also came with a same team and repeated the same feat, destroying top ranked competitors en route to their victories.”

“We are going to meet these people in 6 months at the AAG, and they are competing all over the world, gaining crucial experience and confidence as they conquer the world’s best at these events”

WTF Referee and NTF Vice-President, Maragret Binga Elizabeth, 3-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Abubakar Isah Adamu and WTf Referee, Mr Ferguson Oluigbo

“I am confident Nigeria Taekwondo will meet our formidable opponents half-way on the field of play, but we must start firm preparations now to stand any chance of making history at the AAG”.

Meanwhile, despite the impressive outing of some of the African Nations at the tournaments, National coach of Cote d’Ivoire Taekwondo National Team, Attada Tadjou, was of the opinion that African Nations need to work harder together to bridge the wide tactical gap between Africa and other continents.

“We have a lot of talents that can dominate the world, but these talents need to be invested in. Also we need to have a lot of training workshops and tournaments in Africa to help bridge the knowledge gap”

COMMONWEALTH GOLD MEDALLISTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT 1ST AFTU INT’L TAEKWONDO OPENS

The duo of 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Gold medallists, Abubakar Isah Adamu, and veteran fighter, Jamilu Mohammed are set to compete in the -58kg category, at the 1st AFTU International Opens, billed to hold at the Alexandria Olympic Centre, in Alexandria Egypt on 21st and 22nd February, 2015.

Adamu, who just turned 18 years old on 15th February, will be coached by 3-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, who successfully guided the rising star alongside Shola Olowookere to Gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. Jamilu Mohammed, who is also the current African Champion, will be coached by IOC-certified coach, Ibrahim Yahuza of Kano state.

Young Adamu will be eager to continue from where he stopped in year 2014, where he won Gold medals at the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, Lagos Opens and Korean Ambassador’s Team Cup, in addition to representing Nigeria at the World Junior Championships and Youth Olympic Qualifiers.

However, the AFTU Opens will present a unique set of challenge to one of Nigeria’s bright taekwondo talents, as this is the first time Adamu will be competing in the adult category at the international level. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about his chances.

Taekwondo Team to the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Games [L-R: Judith Usifoh, Adaeze Asigbe, Chiamaka Onumonu, Shola Olowookere, Sunday Onofe, Chinazum Nwosu, Jamilu Mohammed, Josephine Esuku, Shola Olushola, Adamu Abubakar Isah, Ebere Blessing Nwakanma and Team Captain & Athlete-Coach, Chika Chukwumerije]. Uche Chukwumerije and Murtala Mohammed are not in the picture

“I felt really light during training yesterday and my body is relaxed. I have been studying competition videos of my opponents and I look forward to what I expect to be an exciting experience in Alexandria, Egypt”

His mentor, and Beijing 2008 Bronze medallist, Chika Chukwumerije struck a more cautionary tone.

“Adamu is hugely talented, very ambitious and he works very hard at training sessions. He is still young and this is the first time he is competing in the senior category, and first time he will be competing this year. He is competing against opponents that compete regularly.

I would use all my experience to guide him through the competition, match by match, as it is important to try to remove as much pressure on him as possible. For now, the main focus is on the exposure and experience he gains, not the medal he wins”

The veteran player-coach went to urge huge brands to sign deals with Taekwondo’s rising stars while they were on the ascent.

“The two taekwondo revelations of the Commonwealth Games – Abubakar Adamu and Shola Olowookere – are no doubt going to win very important medals for Nigeria in the future. But it is hugely dependent on the investment that goes into them in the next few years.

They are the face of Nigeria Taekwondo’s future and I really encourage big brands to seize the opportunity to sign 3 – 4 year endorsement deals with them”

Medallists at 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Games [L-R: Adaeze Asigbe, Chika Chukwumerije, Shola Olowookere, Jamilu Mohammed, Esuku Josephine, Segun Olushola, Adamu Abubakar Isah, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, Ebere Blessing Nwakanma]

On the possibility that the Commonwealth Gold Medallists would meet each other during the course of the competition, the 3-time Olympian was indifferent.

“What does it matter? Jamilu is my team mate, so is Adamu and they are both Nigerians; one represents the experienced present of Nigeria Taekwondo while the other represents the talented exciting future of Nigeria Taekwondo. It is a win-win situation. Hopefully, they will get good draws and have a best case scenario where they meet in the finals”

Weigh-in and draws for the competition will be done on Friday, 20th February 2015, while Adamu and the more experienced Jamilu will take to the competition mat on Sunday, 22nd February 2015.

Their participation at the AFTU Opens is privately funded.

Among the 258 competitors registered for the World Taekwondo Federation ranked G1 tournament are National Teams and Clubs from 37 countries including Spain, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Peru, Congo, Greece, Egypt, France, United States, Jordan, Cyprus, Morocco, Tunisia, Germany, Spain, Russia, Switzerland, Great Britain, Ukraine, Sweden, Brazil, Australia, Cote d’Ivoire. Algeria, Netherlands, Mali, Yemen, Belgium, Libya, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Algeria, Canada, Italy, New Zealand and Niger Republic.