The President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Margaret Binga urged the National Junior athletes to work hard, so as to make the country proud in Algeria.
The African Youth Games is scheduled to take place between 19th to 28th July in Algiers, Algeria.
Binga gave the charge when Board Members of the Federation visited youth athletes at the National Junior Training camp in Abuja.
“We never had the opportunity to go to the African Youth Games so this is a one-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity that has presented itself to you to be able to become a Youth African Medalist or Champion. I urge you to work very hard to make this opportunity count”
The former two-time African Champion encouraged the athletes to be disciplined and focus.
“Taekwondo is a disciplined sport and discipline in training and out of training when combined with hard work and focus is key to success for you. This is the Federation’s dream for you. I know you are getting a very good training program but it would count for nothing if you are not disciplined, focused and hardworking”
The President also commended the Ministry for their early preparations.
“We commend the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports for this early camping for the youth athletes. This is the first time in the history that we are starting this early to prepare for the Youth Games. We must commend the Ministry for taking this positive step in the right direction.”
Responding on behalf of the athletes, the female captain, Bukola Ogunnusi, thanked the NTF President and board members for the visit.
“On behalf of the team, we are grateful for the visit of Madam President and the NTF board to our training camp. We know that many on the board were past international champions and this is what has excited us about your visit. Your presence has made all the difference as we are encouraged and inspired to train even more.”
The twenty invited athletes to the camp includes: Males – Agada Elijah Agada [-45kg], Aduga Solomon [-48kg], Prince Ochulor [-51kg], Muhammad Abdullahi [-55kg], Wisdom Efosa [-55kg], Umar Jidda [-55kg], Daniel Mfon [-59kg], Phillip Osomade [-68kg], Marshal Okoye [-73kg], Prince Daniel [-78kg]. Females – Chidiebere Uzoamaka [-44kg], Blessing Peter [-46kg], Faith Nwankwo [-49kg], Happiness Adirimo [-49kg], Success Ugwu [-52kg], Kelechi Ezekwe [-55kg], Helen Okoko [-59kg], Benita Barnax [-63kg], Bukola Ogunnusi [-63kg] and Olapeju Oyebanji [+68kg].
Athletes were invited based on their performance at the first ever National Junior Taekwondo Championships, which was held in FCT Abuja in May 2018.
Only 10 young taekwondoins are expected to represent the country at the 2018 African Youth Games.
