World Champs: Anyanacho wins Nigeria’s first taekwondo medal in 20 years

Africa's leading athlete in the -67kg division, Elizabeth Anyanacho, has etched her name in history by securing a bronze medal at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China.

This accomplishment ensures that Nigeria receives its first World Taekwondo Championship medal in twenty years, signifying a remarkable resurgence for the country on the international stage.

Anyanacho showcased an outstanding performance in the women's -67kg category, overcoming Uzbekistan's Sobibronova Ozoda in two intensely fought rounds, 8-6 and 10-9, thereby earning her spot in the semi-finals.

This milestone arrives amidst a wave of renewed hope within the Nigerian sports community, following the successful elections of new leaders for various sports federations, including the newly appointed president of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation, Tayo Popoola.

In response to this achievement, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, praised Anyanacho for her determination and excellence, characterizing the victory as a significant affirmation of Nigeria's revival in global sports.

"Elizabeth Anyanacho has demonstrated to the world that Nigeria's sporting spirit is unyielding. Her performance in China represents not only a personal victory but also a national triumph that highlights the outcomes of our renewed commitment to athlete development and reforms within sports federations. This medal ends a two-decade wait and heralds a new chapter for Nigerian Taekwondo. We take immense pride in her achievements and in the leadership currently guiding the federation towards greater success," he stated.

The 26-year-old from Nsukka, born on April 9, 1999, has dedicated her career to breaking barriers. She earned a bronze medal at the 2019 African Games and made a significant impact at the Nigeria Open in Abuja.

Anyanacho became the first Nigerian woman to qualify for the Olympics in Taekwondo in 16 years at the 2020 Games, following the legacy of Princess Dudu. She further solidified her status by winning a gold medal at the African Games in Ghana in 2024.

Taekwondo has joined a long list of international championships that Nigeria has excelled in this year, which includes cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, and swimming.