Team Nigeria to the ongoing African Taekwondo Championship holding in Bamako, Mali, continued their impressive performance yesterday with Para-Taekwondo Player, Ability Mathew Udo, surpassing all opposition to win Nigeria’s third medal at the Continental show piece.
Fighting in the -57kg, Para athlete, Udo displayed what could be described as rare marksmanship by sending his opponents to the cleaners to win the Gold medal, thus proving that there is indeed ‘Ability in disability.’
The win did not only put smiles on the faces of both athletes and officials of the Team Nigeria Contingent led by the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola, but went a long way in showcasing Nigeria’s rich potentials in combat sports especially, Taekwondo and the countries ability to rule Africa if given the needed encouragement.
Udo’s wonderful performance has increased Nigeria medal haul to three ( I gold and 2 bronze medals).
Fighting in the -87kg weight category, Jordan Joel started Nigeria’s victory runs on day one of the championship with a bronze medal.
Chidinma Okolo made it two on Sunday when she won another bronze medal for Nigeria in the female -65 Kg weight division before Monday’s gold medal feat by Ability Mathew Udo.
Excited by the performance of her team, the NTF President Tayo Popoola praised the athletes for their diligent, determination and resilience in the face of odds, but like Oliver Twist, the President asked for more medals when she said, ” I know you can do it, so I need some more’
Action will continue in Bamako today as hostilities commence in the Poomse event.
