One of Nigeria’s most consistent female Judoka, Franca Audu (52kg) has attributed her fifth gold medal to huge sacrifice on her path and coach, Umoru Musa.
The 2015 All African Games bronze medalist has won five gold and one silver in her sixth appearance at the National Sports Festival.
Audu revealed to www.aclsports.com that returning to the mat in 2018 after winning Gold at the 2009 National Sports Festival was a massive relief.
She said, “Returning to the mat feels awesome and winning a gold medal was the height of it. It was not easy but by the Grace of God, hard work and determination, I made it against all odds.
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“After the long time training at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Judo Club, I knew I was ready for the 21st National Sports Festival. The target was to defend my title because my teammates, coach, family, friends and fans were just looking up to me for that medal long before the game. I knew I cannot afford to disappoint them so I had to give in my all; to God be that glory my efforts and sacrifices never went in vain.
“2009 National Sports Festival tagged ‘Kada Games’ was my last festival because it was close at that time. I came back after 9 years to defend my title in 2018 when the festival was made open and at the 20th National Sports Festival in Edo state, I defended my gold medal.
Audu said, “To ensure I remain fit in 2023, I must focus more on my training. The good thing is that I love training a lot; I train more that you can imagine.
“Back in my club ABU Judo club where I was brought up training is an everyday thing. Whether there is competition or not, we still train. I can confidently say that in this country no club or state trains like we do and that has kept me going.
The 2011 All African Games bronze medalist said she can make an impact at the 2023 African Games if given the opportunity to compete for the country again.
She said, “Four athletes were taking to the 2019 African Games in Morocco due to the slots given to the Nigeria Judo Federation by the Ministry of Youth and Sports; I hope we are given more slots or even a full team ahead of the 2023 African Games in Ghana.
“I strongly believe if given the opportunity to compete, I will make a huge impact because of my level of experience and exposure. Apart from 2007 All African Games in Algiers which was my first ever international where I could not get any medal, I have never gone for games and returned without a medal.
“I am sure my coach is always there to give me all the support I can get to put me in that shape. I trust his coaching ability and I love what he has turned me into (champion for years).
Franca who has completed her coaching course at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) said, “Coaching is something that I also have passion for and I am glad I got myself to run the coaching course. It is one of the best decisions I have made so far and I am super proud of my self. As for retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics, I do not know yet.
“I hope my coach (Umoru Musa) is consistent because he is one of the most productive coaches in Nigeria but no one recognises him for his efforts.
“He has judokas representing almost every state and it is my prayer he gets the recognition he deserves.
Franca Audu has won medals at the following National Sports Festival:
1) Silver – 2004 National Sports Festival in Abuja (48kg)
2) Gold- 2006 National Sports Festival in Ogun state (48kg)
3) Gold- 2009 National Sports Festival in Kaduna state (52kg)
4) Gold- 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja (52kg)
5) Gold- 2020 National Sports Festival in Edo state (52kg)
6) Gold- 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta state (52kg)
