Africa Judo bronze medallist, Enku Ekuta told www.aclsports.com that she dreams of representing Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The National Champion revealed that she stands a chance of making it to Japan after the numerous African championships she attended in 2019 and 2020.
Ekuta said she needs funding, standard equipment and training partners if she wants to succeed as an elite Judoka.
The former Youth Games champion said, “My ultimate dream in 2021 is to represent Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.
“As it stands, I am already in the Olympic qualification zone in my weight class with the five tournaments I attended in Africa. I was able to make points with the gold, silver and bronze medals I won at the various tournaments.
My parents pray for me, go out of their way every single time to see I get the best training. During the lock down they would walk with me to the stadium and train with me”.
“For me to succeed as an elite athlete, I need proper funding to attend various tournaments within and outside Africa, standard equipment, training partners and I already have an understanding coach. I will have to be dedicated, focus, hardworking, determinate, obedient, passionate and above all putting my trust in God”.
Sharing her experience with www.aclsports.com, Ekuta said competing at the Judo Championships in Cameroon and Senegal was tough but she learnt from her mistakes.
She thanked Accugas for the sponsorship and opportunity to attend the various tournaments.
She said, “We learn everyday and a big thank you to my Sponsors Accugas for the sponsorship. From the Covid-19 test to the travelling and the main thing was the competition.
Competing was hard especially in Cameroon and Senegal, the weather was not favourable but I pulled through, learnt from my mistakes and I have gained more experience than ever”.
The 300 level student of philosophy said her parent is her greatest support.
She said, “My father and mother are wonderful people, they are also my coaches. They are always available to motivate me when I am down, massage me anytime I am injured.
My parents pray for me, go out of their way every single time to see I get the best training. During the lock down they would walk with me to the stadium and train with me”.
African tournaments attended by Enku Ekuta
- Cameroon- Continental Open Judo Championships – 2019 Silver
- Senegal- Continental Open Judo Championships 2019- bronze
- Cameroon-Continental Open Judo Championships -2020- Bronze.
- Senegal-Continental Open Judo Championships -2020-Gold.
- 41st African Championships – Madagascar- Bronze.
