CCSF Takes Taekwondo Programme To Zamfara, As NTF Lauds Initiative

The Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) kick-started its 2015 programme when it launched its “Inspire the Zones” initiative in Gusau, Zamfara.

The one-day inspirational programme, which saw 65 participants from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara is the first of a six-leg journey that involves all the six geopolitical zones in the country, and is being done in partnership the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation via the Board Members resident in the Zone.

According to CCSF Founder and three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, the aim of the workshop is simply to inspire young minds.

“I have always insisted that Inspiration always wins medals, if you give it time. You sow that seed now in that mind, and watch it positively grow over the years”.

Some Participants during the Workshop

Pointing out a real-life example of the philosphy in the person of Borno-State born Abubakar Isah Adamu, the 17-year old Commonwealth Gold Medallist who came along with the CCSF Team, the CCSF Boss noted the effect of Adamu’s presence on his age mates in the region.

“Adamu was just 13 years old when we saw him. He was born and lives in Maiduguri, Borno State. At the time, he could barely speak English. Four years later, he speaks English, has won a couple of National Tournaments, has won a Gold at the Commonwealth Games and is one of the brightest Taekwondo prospects for Nigeria Taekwondo. The athletes here have been inspired just watching him today”

NTF Board Member of the region and State Host, Alhaji Mohammed Garba, agreed with the CCSF Boss

CCSF Founder poses with NTF Board Members in the region [L-R: Chika Chukwumerije, Alhaji Mohammed Garba [NTF North-West Representative], Mr Abdullahi Saidu [NTF Sponsor Representative], Mr Ado Garko Umar [NTF North East Representative]

“I am so excited by this wonderful program. Most of these athletes have never seen all these equipment that CCSF brought to Zamfara, or done the exercises they did together. They have trained with a 3-time Olympian they see only on TV, and a Commonwealth Gold Medallist. There is a rejuvenation amongst the athletes in this region”.

Another Board Member, Mr Abdullahi Saidu, who sponsored the athletes from Sokoto and Kebbi to the program was equally excited by the outcome of the program.

“That Chika could bring his Foundation to Zamfara has really inspired and galvanized all of us. A lot of times, good programs like this are held in Kano or Kaduna, but CCSF came all the way with their team and shared high quality information with upcoming and state athletes, free of charge. CCSF has certainly shown us that we have no excuse not to organize more regional inter-state programmes”

A participant, 24-year Alice Dumiya, from Kaduna proudly holds up her new Taekwondo Uniform

A Director of Admin with the Zamfara State Civil Service, Alhaji Mohammed Haidara, who was guest at the program commended the initiative and noted that, “the program is very interesting. More programs like this would help our youths to be doing something, instead of roaming about and engaging in unproductive activities”

In addition to the program, free equipment in form of imported Taekwondo Uniform, Kicking Pads and exercise books were given to some of the participants.

One of the participants, 23-year old Bilhatu Adamu of Zamfara, who makes colourful hand-made bags caught the attention of CCSF, and was given a free ticket to the 2015 CCSF Taekwondo Opens being held in Abuja on 23-24 October 2015, to showcase and merchandize her product.

Participants pose in a group photo during the one-day inspirational CCSF workshop

Speaking on the free ticket awarded to her, Miss Bilhatu could not hide her excitement,

“Not only did I enjoy the workshop, I have also been given an opportunity to come and showcase my bags to Nigerians and West Africans that would come to watch the event. I am very grateful to CCSF for given me this economic opportunity, at no cost.”

The next leg of the initiative would be held in the North Central Zone in Benue State on 7th March 2015.

Let’s Make 2015 Memorable For Taekwondo, Chukwumerije Charges Athletes

Ready to consolidate of the successes recorded in 2014, Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije has charged taekwondists across the country to make 2015 memorable for taekwondo.

The Commonwealth Championship silver medalist, believes with unity in the taekwondo fraternity, more successes would be recorded in 2015.

“I want to extend appreciation to the athletes, who are my colleagues and friends. You are the reason the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) exists, and I thank you for all your hard work and dedication. It has been a tough 2014, and I hope we continue to work very hard to make 2015 even more memorable,” he said.

Chika Chukwumerije

The four-time Olympian added: “2015 is an important year, as President Ashiru has repeatedly mentioned; chief among the tournaments are the All African Games and the WTF World Championships, plus other important issues like gaining lots of global ranking points to increase our chances of automatically qualifying for the 2016 Olympics, and gaining international exposure and experience. I know the official program of the NTF will be release soon through the appropriate channels, and I am excited that 2015 presents another opportunity for us to work together towards making even more history.”

He however, tasked the athletes not to relent in their efforts. “On this note, I would like to challenge each and every one of us to continue to develop ourselves, and aspire to take the Sport to a better place than we met it. On a personal note, I wish you all the best in your individual endeavours and hope your personal ambitions, hope and dreams comes to a positive conclusion in 2015,” he explained.

He lauded the tenacity of NTF president, George Ashiru, describing him as a goal-getter.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

His words: “Firstly, I want to extend our thanks to our President, GM George Ashiru, for his steady and focused steering of Taekwondo Development and Administration in Nigeria. It is a difficult job, and one that requires a lot of wisdom, knowledge and experience; being an ex-international athlete, ex-national champion, established business man, accomplished sports administrator, these are three ingredients Master Gee possesses in abundance.”

He singled out the support of board members of NTF, which he said is commendable in the last one year.

“I would love to say a big thank you to the media, for believing in the vision and activities of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, under the capable leadership of GM George Ashiru, and giving Taekwondo the kind of exposure that matches the amount of hard work that has been put in by all its stakeholders to develop, not only an Olympic sport that wins medals for Nigeria, but develops the character of young Nigerians. Your support has been instrumental and critical to our vision, and we hope to continue to count on your support of NTF programmes and our upcoming super stars,” he said.

NTF UNVEILS PLANS FOR 2015, CALLS FOR SUPPORT

To ensure that its 2014 feats are consolidated, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) yesterday unveiled its major plans for 2015 while calling for more support to the sport from private and public sectors.

According to the President of NTF, George Ashiru, 2014 has been worthwhile for the sport following the successes recorded locally and internationally.

“I want to say that 2014 has been a rewarding year for taekwondo because we wanted to achieve some of our objectives in the year and we are happy that we were able to do this. We tagged a developmental year and truly it was a year that we were able to discover athletes that will take over from the likes of Chika Chukwumerije.

George Ashiru, President Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF.

We organized six tournaments this year and we took part in five international competitions, which for us was encouraging. At the maiden National Youth Games, we wanted to unearth new athletes and we were able to identify some of them and today some of these athletes are doing well even at international levels. Two of the discovered athletes featured at the World Junior Championships and despite not winning medals, they gave a good account of themselves. From this tournament, they were able to garner some experience which has been helpful to them in subsequent tournaments.

They were able to win gold medals at the Commonwealth Championships in Edinburg, Scotland and they ended the year with gold medals at the Lagos Opens. For us, we have been able to monitor these athletes and they are doing well in their various categories,” Ashiru said.

The Vice President, Commonwealth Taekwondo Union (CTU) added that with more support taekwondo has the potential to win more medals for Nigeria at international competitions.

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

“With 15 athletes that went to the Commonwealth Championships, we won 10 medals to finish fourth overall compared to countries that came with over 80 athletes. This goes to show that we have quality. But we will not be carried away by this feat because top nations like Korea, United States, and others were not at the tournaments but it was a good platform for us to assess our athletes,” he said.

The NTF boss however, said that efforts would be geared towards getting more exposure for the athletes.

He said the 2015 World Championships and All Africa Games as the two major tournaments that are crucial to the country’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. “I cannot specifically confirm that we have the athletes that can compete well at the Olympic Games in Brazil because like other nations that considers tall athletes from other sports to represent them at the Olympics. We will also consider this workable system to identify tall athletes from other sport and we are intending to train them to become world beaters,” he disclosed.

Teenage Commonwealth Medalists Rule At Lagos Taekwondo Open

Nigeria’s latest taekwondo revelations, Abubakar Isah Adamu and Shola Olowookere, repeated their golden Commonwealth feat by bagging gold medals in the just concluded Lagos Opens, held at Rowe Park, Lagos.

The tournament, organized by the Lagos State Taekwondo Association and sanctioned by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, attracted a total of 195 fighters from across Nigeria, and had in attendance most members of the historic Taekwondo National Team to the 2014 Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, where Nigeria Taekwondo got their biggest medal haul records since 1987 All African Games.

It can be recalled that Adamu and Olowookere, who are both 17 year old, won the first Gold medals in the Kyreougi [fighting] during the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships, and have been touted by Taekwondo pundits as the future of Nigeria Taekwondo.

Sunday Onofe, who narrowly missed out on a medal in Edinburgh, won the Gold medal in the -87kg Middleweight division, and Chiamaka Onumonu who also narrowly missed out on a medal in Eddinburgh defeated her fellow bronze-medal winning commonwealth teammate, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, in a keenly contested final of the +67kg Olympic weight division. Judith Ehis, who also missed out on a Commonwealth medal, blazed through all opposition to clinch the Gold in the consolidated -67kg Olympic weight division.

Captain of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Team, Chika Chukwumerije came as coach of his young Team Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF), guiding his three athletes to two medals – one gold and one silver.

Commenting on the overall performance of his team mates at the Lagos Opens, Chukwumerije noted, “The obvious gap in tactical knowledge between his team mates and the rest of their opponents, and the sheer amount of self-confidence exhibited en route to their respective victories”.

While congratulating his team mates, he noted that the tournament provided ample opportunity for the National Technical Crew to look at prospective new entrants to the National Team”.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medallist also expressed his delight at the progress of 17 year old Adamu and Olowookere, noting that their recent form was very good for Nigeria Taekwondo, as 2015 was a very important year.

He encouraged companies to support them by sponsoring their training development programs, and giving them sporting scholarships.

An Interview With Chika Chukwumerije After The Commonwealth Championships In Scotland

Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije was at the just concluded Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships held in Scotland and he claimed a silver medal to his credit but the feat achieved by the entire team has become the rallying point for the Olympian. However, Chukwumerije believes that more still needs to be done to ensure that more Nigerians make it to the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

What lesson did you take from the competition?

I got to appreciate even more the importance of having a thoroughly knowledgeable team diligently working together to achieve set objectives.

The collective and professional actions of persons that passionately contributed to this historic victory was very telling – from the athletes, to the coaches, to the technical crew, to the medical crew, to the sports administrators.

Basically, if we stick together, keep our focus, and follow a well-laid out funded plan, we will continue to get results like this.

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]

Being the first time Nigeria will be competing at the tournament, what does it mean competing against the Commonwealth’s best?

My team mates and I are always eager and excited to meet and have a go at the “best” in the world, because it is an important and indispensable learning process for us.

We learn from the experience and become even better at what we do. We are thrilled that, despite the short training camp, our passion and desire to do well at our first ever commonwealth appearance combined with key tactical decisions made during the matches ensured we recorded our best international results in the history of Nigeria Taekwondo.

What effect will the participation have on the team ahead of the Olympics?

Representing Nigeria is always a thoroughly satisfying affair, and making history at a such an important event leaves the team in really high spirits for 2015, an important year that is critical for qualifying for RIO 2016. Our participation at the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships ensured that my team mates and I have a greater belief in ourselves to perform well at the big stage, and there is an increase in hunger to win more international medals.

As a Nation, we need to properly harness the incredible passion of these history-making athletes by exposing them to more training facilities, methods and international competitions.

This would increase the possibility of success at subsequent major international tournaments, with focus on RIO 2016 Olympics.

Chika Chukwumerije

You won silver, how will this rub off on you ahead Rio Olympics?

Every medal won, every ranking point gained, every experience gotten, increases one’s confidence towards the big tournaments.

How do you think these athletes should be kept together for the All Africa Games?

Really, it all boils down to the funding available. Ideally, if you keep them in one place and keep training them morning and evening from now till the AAG in 2015, and exposing them to more international competitions, then another history-making performance at the All Africa Games is guaranteed.

From what you witnessed in Scotland, do you think we stand a chance of having more athletes making it to Rio Olympics?

The potential is definitely there, but a lot of work still needs to be done. The Francophone countries were not there, most of European Countries were not there, Asia Powerhouses like China and South Korea were not there, the USA were not there. Thus, I am very aware of how much more difficult the road to RIO 2016 is, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with steps like we have just taken.

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Will Build On Success Of Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships in Scotland – George Ashiru

DG NSC, Gbenga Elegbeye, motivating the athletes before the beginning of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) President, George Ashiru Speaking today after arrival of Nigeria of the Nigerian Taekwondo Team that won 10 medals at the just concluded Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships in Scotland Highlighted The plans that have been put in place by his federation to build on the success of Team Nigeria at the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championship.

“The NTF now has a new standard. 10 medals in an international championship. So, the pressure is on for maintaining and surpassing this new standard. It will be tough, but doable if the planning and resources are adequately engaged. We have a few new championships that will help discover new, taller athletes to meet the new electronic order of Taekwondo Ashiru Said”

Head Coach, Grandmaster Jin Beom Kim, holds a briefing session with players on arrival in Scotland

The NTF President also stated that The Korean Ambassador Championships in December will help the Federation begin to find more potentials for high performance training.

“In March we want to have a Collegiate Team Championships to bring in talents from the higher institutions. Also, we will be doing a special High Performance Coaching Workshop about February 2015 for all of our state and national coaches to bring them up to speed on coaching pedagogy and practical athlete management skills”.

Double Medallist, Josephine Esuku, shows off her Medals

George Ashiru also highlighted the fact that the national high performance centre is key to his Federations strategy for 2015, Saying that a full time training centre where we can invite champions and potentials for continous training and monitoring is on the top of the list of requirements for the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

“In the first quarter of next year we will be sending athletes for continuous open camping at the NSC high performance centre in Abuja. By the time we have the National Sports Festival in April we ought to have the face of a new national team that can be rigourously prepared for the African Games and World Championships of 2015” Said the NTF Boss.

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]

“The NTF is embarking on simultaneous development of all the faces of Taekwondo. Sparring (Kyorugi), Poomsae (Forms), and Para-Taekwondo Development. This is important as each has their own medals count. We have focussed on Sparring development for too long and neglected the other areas of training. In Edinburgh, our first 3 medals came from the Forms which we just started encouraging a few years ago” .

Team Captain & Athlete-Coach, Chika Chukwumerije, poses with some members of the team on arrival in Scotland

Ashiru Concluded by confirming that Taekwondo is on the way to being a Para-Lympic event in 2020 and that Nigeria would need to begin aggressive recruitment and training of that category of athletes before the podium becomes available. “We need to be at the same level as other nations when Taekwondo becomes a paralympic event”.

Chukwumerije Qualifies For 2014 WTF Grand Prix In Manchester

Chika Chukwumerije

After missing out from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) Grand Prix in China and managing to make it to the Grand Prix in Astana, Kazakhstan last month, Nigeria’s Chika Chukwumerije, has been listed among the top athletes in the world that will compete at the next WTF Grand Prix, to be held in Manchester, UK on 25th and 26th October 2014.

The martial art maestro, who was in danger of losing out on the prestigious Grand Prix, after missing out on the last edition in Suzhou, China, ensured he competed last weekend at the 2nd Grand prix of the year in Astana, Kazakhstan, held 29th August to 2nd September 2014, in order to gain enough momentum to make it to Manchester.

He beat the inaugural Grand Prix Finalist, and current 2014 Dutch opens Gold medallist, Guilherme Cezario Felix of Brazil, 8 – 1 in the opening round, before narrowly succumbing to Number 3 in the World, England’s Mahama Cho 3 – 5 in the round of 16.

Commenting on his performance, Chukwumerije acknowledged he would need to step up his training to make better impact at the next Grand Prix.

“I was not quite fit for the Astana Grand Prix, even though I put in a solid defensive performance. I lost a bit of concentration right in the last few seconds of my bout with Cho, and it cost me the match. However, it was critical I got enough momentum to make it to the next grand Prix in Manchester. Now, I have two months to get myself back into the kind of shape I should be in, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

The WTF Grand Prix, is currently the most interesting and competitive series on the WTF Calendar, and has had the Taekwondo global world buzzing since the inaugural edition in December 2013.

Chika Chukwumerije

Only the world’s top 31 athletes in each weight category, based on their recent 2014 WTF Olympic ranking, are eligible for the tournament, and the Grand Prix series have a direct impact on qualification for the RIO 2016 Olympics, as a massive 40 Olympic ranking points are at stake.

Chukwumerije used the opportunity to weigh in on the Ebola saga that has seen Nigeria miss the 2014 Youth Olympics in China and the Wrestling World Championships in Uzbekistan.

“I fought in Kazakhstan last week at the Astana Grand Prix, and checks were carried out at the airport – here in Nigeria and at Kazakhstan. Why next door neighbours, Uzbekistan would deny the Wrestlers potential World Championships fame is unfair.”

Chukwumerije encouraged world sporting regulatory bodies should take a cue from the World Taekwondo Federation,

“The nature of sports is to break down barriers, not enforce them. Perhaps, other sports need to take a cue from the WTF in the lesson of inclusion, rather than marginalizing a Country of 180 million people, because of very few Ebola cases.”

“The message is simple – stop marginalizing our National Teams. Ebola is a serious threat in the West Africa region that is a genuine challenge that the global community is understandably worried about.

However, the perception that the world of sports is shutting its doors on Africa when countless other reasonable routes are available is just not acceptable. Proper screening can be carried out before cutting off the expectations of athletes that had put in a lot of hard work. Medical tests can be done to ensure they are Ebola-free, but it should stop there”

CCSF International Taekwondo Tournament Postponed

The organisers of the annual Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Tournament have postponed the staging of the third edition of the championship following the outbreak of Ebola disease across the West Africa region.

In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Founder of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, the tournament has been postponed until further notice.

“In recent weeks, a new challenge in the form of the Ebola epidemic in the West Africa region has struck a fearful chord across the Nation, as attempts have been stepped up by the relevant authorities to confront this novel danger on Nigeria’s shores,” Chukwumerije said.

The three time Olympian added: “The 2013 CCSF Opens had 320 athletes in attendance from 8 countries, 24 Nigerian Sates, 6 Universities, 7 Clubs, the Nigeria Police, Armed Forces and Paramilitaries.

In addition, there was an overall influx of 1,200 persons over the 2-day event. The 2014 edition is expected to be even bigger, with 11 countries (9 from West Africa) expected to be in attendance, and a total audience of 1,500 over the 2-day event (including 200 school children from 10 schools in FCT Abuja).

Continuing he said: “The best case scenario of tackling the viral spread is projected by some experts to be in the range of 3 – 6 months, during which the CCSF Open is scheduled to take place.

In light of the slim chance of providing an ideal environment for a highly unlikely scenario of an Ebola viral spread, organizers of the CCSF Open have decided to err on the side of caution and postpone Nigeria’s best Taekwondo tournament till further notice.

We would carefully watch the turn of events over the coming weeks and months before announcing a new date.

“We totally share in the overwhelming disappointment of all our major stakeholders – athletes, coaches, school children, and foreign guests – over this huge decision, but the policy is the CCSF is clear about putting the safety of stakeholders first in all our programs & activities.

We will continue to have other local and regional programs and stay focused on achieving our long-term goals,” the Beijing Olympic medalist explained.

Chukwumerije Misses Out Of WTF Grand Prix…As China Taekwondo Association Representative Bungles Logistics Process

Chukwumerije misses out of WTF Grand Prix…As China Taekwondo Association representative bungles logistics process

Nigeria’s sole representative, Chika Chukwumerije, is set to miss out on one of the biggest global Taekwondo events – the WTF Grand Prix Series, which commences on Friday July 4 to 6 at the Suzhou Sports Centre in the Chinese city of Suzhou, due to the laxity and negligence of a representative of the China Taekwondo Association.

The Suzhou Grand Prix event, the first of three Grand Prix series set for this year, is expected to attract a total of 236 top athletes from 57 countries.

The Grand Prix events have a direct impact on qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympics, as a massive 40 Olympic ranking points are at stake. Only the world’s top 31 athletes in each weight category, based on their April 2014 WTF Olympic ranking, are eligible for the tournament.

Chukwumerije was Nigeria’s sole Taekwondo athlete eligible for the WTF Grand Prix Series, and one of the few from Africa, who was to represent the African continent at this global event.

Other participating athletes include nine Olympic medallists, including three double Olympic medal winners – Steven Lopez of the United States, Kyung-seon Hwang of Korea and Wu Jingyu of China.

The other gold medalists are Argentina’s Sebastian Eduardo Crismanich, Great Britain’s Jade Jones, Serbia’s Milica Mandic and Italy’s Carlo Molfeta, Korea’s Dong-min Cha and Mexico’s Maria Espinoza.

According to the World Taekwondo Federation President, Chungwon Choue, “The Grand Prix is an exciting new concept in international taekwondo competition, inaugurated last December in Manchester, the United Kingdom.

Our ambition with the Grand Prix is to provide an arena for taekwondo’s finest athletes to raise the sport’s visibility, and to realize taekwondo’s fullest potential worldwide,” said WTF President

To adequately prepare for this event, Chukwumerije had jetted out to Taiwan for a 23-day long intense training camp, the same location he trained before winning a Bronze at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, a first for Sub-Saharan Africa at the time.

From the official draws released, Chukwumerije would have met Juan Carlos Diaz of Venezelua in his first fight, and if successful, met the winner between Konstantinos Gkoltsios of Greece and Ivan Trajkovic of Sloviakia, which was considerably a good draw for the veteran combatant.

Shedding some light on why he could not get the visa on time, he fingered the unprofessionalism of the host organizers as the root cause of his absence at the Grand Prix.

“The contact person, Mr Cui Wei, informed us we could get the visa in Taipei and we just had to wait for the invitation letter.

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

The Federation submitted all necessary documentation on time, before the stipulated deadline, and all the organizers had to do was sent a letter of invitation on time.

They then sent it just two days before I was to fly out to China, and Mr Cui Wei, did a complete turn-around and told me to head back to Nigeria to get a visa”

Speaking from his training base in Taiwan, an audibly distraught Chukwumerije lamented about the huge work gone down the drain,

“The training camp has been so intense – three times training a day, very strict dieting, 6kg lost, hours of watching and analysing opponents.

I have not trained this hard and been this focused since the London 2012 Olympics, and someone just sweeps all that layer of hard work through sheer incompetence”

Clearly still shaken by the actions of the Chinese Taekwondo Association representative, the veteran athlete reflected on the negative consequences for Nigeria,

“Now the Grand Prix has started in earnest, and Nigeria is unrepresented by any athlete, just because the organizing committee could not respond to a request email on time or provide the right info at the right time.

The unprofessional and unfortunate manner in which the China Taekwondo Association has handled this issue has cost the Nation dearly in terms of funds, money and Olympic points.”

The athlete thanked the National Sports Commission for their tremendous support towards the growth and development of Taekwondo in Nigeria, and hoped that this incident does not cause significant damage to Nigeria Taekwondo’s chances of qualifying for Rio 2016 Olympics.

Chukwumerije Woos Private Sector To Support Taekwondo

Five-Person team poses wearing their Bronze medals [L-R: Uche Perez Chukwumerije (Captain), Chika Chukwumerije, Joy Ekhator, Sunday Onofe, Jamilu Mohammed]

Chukwumerije Woos Private Sector To Support Taekwondo

•Hails Zuma Energy for backing team to Tunis

Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, has called on the private sector to financially support taekwondo in discovering, engaging, encouraging and exposing upcoming athletes.

Speaking on the backdrop of the three bronze medals won by the five-man team that Nigeria at the Africa Senior Taekwondo Championships, held in Tunis, Tunisia a fortnight ago, Chukwumerije lauded the support the team got from Abuja-based Zuma Energy Nigeria Limited for taking the initiative to throw its weight behind the team to the tournament.

Members of the team included current African Games Gold Medallists, Uche Perez Chukwumerije and Jamilu Mohammed, three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, African medallists Sunday Onofe and Joy Ekhator.

Uche (Perez) Chukwumerije testing the Daedo Electronic Vest of his opponent, at the start of the Quarter-Finals.

“The trip would not have been possible without the timely support of Zuma Energy and our other sponsors who would like to remain anonymous, so I am thankful to the Executive Chairman, Innocent Ezuma, who responded to the reach-out by my Foundation to the private sector for support”

Undefeated Nationally for the past six years, two-time All African Games Medallist, Miss Joy Ekhator, who won a Bronze Medal at the tournament commended CCSF for pushing the initiative to source funds for the trip, and thanked Zuma Energy Nigeria Ltd for being one of the co-sponsors of the trip. “

“Without the efforts made, I would not have been able to come here and gain ranking points. I train very hard every day, but it is still difficult to go and compete against opponents that compete week in week out”

Current Defending All African Games Champion, Jamilu Muhammad, who crashed out in the Quarterfinals was more direct, “No Money, No Medals”. I have not competed internationally since the last All African Games, even though I am constantly training, thus I was a bit match rusty.

The Kano-state born Taekwondoist enthusiast further reflected, “I am Number 46 in the world, and I sometimes wonder what my ranking would be if I could compete more? I am grateful that I competed at this event. It has enabled me see the opposition for next year’s All African Games, and I would use the experience gained to teach other young Taekwondo upcoming athletes when I get back to Kano”.

Pointing at a good example laid, the CCSF Boss, Chika Chukwumerije, urged the private sector to take the cue of Zuma Energy Ltd in providing the kind of sustained support that would “give life to the real dreams of millions of Nigerian Sportsmen and Women across the country, especially when they have clear operational plans and genuine medal-winning possibilities in the foreseeable future”.

“Athletes are very visible, and can serve, not only as a source of inspiration to our future generation, but also as a deep spring of pride for the Nation. They deserve to be supported by the business community”

“The recent performances of Okagbare recently, the victories of the Super Eagles at the last Nation’s Cup, the last U-17 World Cup winners, and the exploits of our weightlifter Usman at the last Commonwealth are some examples of sporting feats that provide hope to young people, and bring smiles to millions of Nigerians”

Sunday Onofe [-80kg] recieving his Bronze Medal on the Podium

Team poses with Vice President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, also an International Referee who officiated at the G-4 ranked Tournament [L-R: Uche Perez Chukwumerije (Captain), Jamilu Mohammed, Joy Ekhator, Magaret Elizabeth Binga, Sunday Onofe, Chika Chukwumerije]

Chukwumerije urged the private sector to invest in communities in which they operate all over Nigeria, as “investing now would give Nigeria an edge in the Commonwealth this year, All African Games next year and at the RIO 2016 Olympics”

“Everybody loves a winner, and companies can leverage on potential Olympic Gold Medals to be won by Nigeria’s talented athletes by investing in their training and exposure now.”

African Senior Taekwondo Championships: Chukwumerije, others win bronze medals, garner points for world rating

Despite copping an ankle injury on his way to the semifinal, Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije returned to winning ways to settle for bronze medal alongside his compatriots, Sunday Onofe and Joy Ekhator at the African Senior Taekwondo Championships held in Tunisia.

The five-man team claimed three medals as well as garnered over 60.48 points in total to improve their world rating.

140 athletes from 18 African countries took part in three-day tournament, which served as an avenue for athletes to gain crucial word ranking points. This plays a key role for Rio 2016 Olympics qualification.

The El Complex De Menza Arena in Tunis hosted the competition with three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije defying the massive home supports his opponent – Tunisia’s Abdelrahim Abidi got to win his first fight at 10-3.

He however copped an ankle injury during the fight but he was able to hold sway to win the encounter.

Aware of what is ahead of him when the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-organised Grand Prix Olympics series holding in China, Chukwumerije had to withdraw from the semifinal tie to settle for points, which also earned him 14.40 points in world rating.

To also pick bronze medal, Onofe floored Hama Alzouma of Niger Republic in the round of 16, beat Fiston Lumu Tshimanga of Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarterfinals, before losing to number one seed in -80kg, Issam Chernoubi of Morocco (8 – 5).

Ekhator first opponent was Sondess of Tunisia but the home girl pulled out of the competition paving the way for Ekhator to meet with Nour Ahmed Hussein Abdelsalem of Egypt, where she lost (10 – 6) but she still won a bronze medal to her credit.

All Africa Games gold medalist, Jamilu Mohammed put up a disappointing performance against Libya’s Yousef Saleh to lose (12 – 2), while captain Uche Chukwumerije defeated Remy Alazoula of Democratic Republic of Congo (4 – 2) in the round of 16, before losing to the number one seed in the -87kg category, Yassine of Turkey in the quarterfinal.

For reaching the quarterfinals, Uche and Mohammed gained 8.64 World and Olympic ranking points each, while the trio of Chika Chukwumerije, Onofe and Ekhator garnered 14.40 World and Olympic ranking points.

From points gained, the entire t can be assured of moving up the world ranking.

Uche who has picked up a massive 21 points from three tournaments in the past six weeks is expected to be in top 20 when the global rankings are released in June.

Using the Olympic ranking system, the top six athletes qualify automatically for the Rio 2016 Olympics, without having to undergo the regular qualifying process.

The trip to Tunisia was part sponsored by Zuma Energy Limited, following an appeal made by Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) to support taekwondo development in Nigeria, while the athletes privately raised the rest of the funds.

Chukwumerije spearheads Nigeria’s quest for honours at African Senior Taekwondo Championships

Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije will return to the ring, as he leads Nigeria’s quest for honours at the 2014 African Senior Taekwondo Championships, which kicks off on Wednesday May 7 in Tunis, Tunisia.

Chukwumerije, who last major outing was at the last maiden World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) grand prix held in Manchester will compete alongside his elder brother, Uche, Jamilu Mohammad, Sunday Onofe and Joy Ekhator.

The five-man team departed the country at the weekend with the aim of amassing points from the competition, which is a G-4 ranked tournament with the gold medalist getting 40 points.

The tournament will also plays a crucial role to determine the country’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Uche will compete in the men’s -87kg and he recently won gold at the Belgian Open and he is the current All Africa Games Champion. His world rating is 35.

Muhammad is rated 46 in the world and also a gold medalist at the 2011 All Africa Games will compete against the continent’s best in the -58kg.

Abuja-based Onofe, a bronze medalist at the 2011 All Africa Games has missed out from the world rating following his inability to compete in an international competitions and he is expected to jostle for honour in the men’s -80kg.

The only female in the team, Joy Ekhator is a double All Africa Games medalist and she ranked 67 in the world. She will compete in the women’s -49kg.

Chika, who captained Nigeria to the 2012 London Olympics will compete alongside, Olympics champion, Gabon’s Anthony Obame as well as former world champion, Mali’s Modibo Keita in the men’s +87kg.

According to Secretary of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Sunny Obot, the points accumulated during G-4 competition would qualify the athletes for other international competitions.

“The athletes we are featuring are champions in their weight categories. We hope that they will do very well.

This competition will help them very well; the competition is a G-4 competition. What I mean by G-4 is that you need to accumulate points, so when you get to semifinals in this competition, you tend to make 40 points to boost your ranking.

For example, Chika Chukwumerije is ranked 18th in the world. If Chika gets to semifinals or wins a gold medal in this competition, automatically that takes him to about 5th or 6th in the world in his weight category.

So there is every need that we participate in this competition. And the athletes know that if they want to participate at the Rio Olympics in 2016, they must take this competition seriously.”

He however, expressed confidence in the performance of the athletes that would represent Nigeria at the competition, saying that, “they are all champions in their own rights.’’

The trip was facilitated through private funding