11th FASU Games bronze medallist, Mujaheed Suleiman-Musa told www.aclsports.com that he wants to continue with his father’s legacy in the sport of Judo.
Mujaheed Suleiman-Musa is the son of Olympian and 14th-time African Champion Suleiman Musa, who is a national coach with the Nigeria Judo Federation.
Suleiman-Musa won two bronze medals for Bayero University, Kano in -73kg and Open weight at the recently concluded 11th All Africa Universities Games (FASU) in Lagos, Nigeria.
The 100-level student revealed that his father gave him some special techniques before the commencement of his fights in addition to the training of his coach.
He said, “I am the son of a Judoka, and it is my dream to fight at the highest stage in my life. My father has made a huge mark in Nigerian judo, and I want to continue his legacy in judo because he is my role model.
“My father has been helpful to me since I decided to become a judoka when I was a kid. I fell in with Judo when I saw all the medals and trophies in his cabinet and it has continued to inspire me. “When he graced the FASU Games with his presence, I knew I would not return home empty-handed.
“I had insomnia a day before my fights; I was tense and scared because I had no idea who my opponents were. To God be the glory, I won two bronze medals in the -73kg and Open weight class. I am the happiest man in the world because I have begun my journey to greatness.
“While my coach had personally trained me for the FASU Games, my father gave me some techniques before I took to the mat”.
Asked how he merged academics with sports, he said, “The only challenge I have is my lectures clash with my training programmes. My main reason in the University is academics; I miss training in order not to have carry-overs or ultimately fail my examinations. Instead of using my free period for rest, I train to cover up”.
Suleiman-Musa said his father had mentored him and his elder brother from childhood to fall in love with judo.
“I started judo when I was a kid; my father, Suleiman Musa taught me and my elder brother how to do this incredible sport because he’s also a judoka. It runs in the family. I strongly believe that one day, I will make it to the top through dedication and hardwork; besides I am more determined and dedicated than ever.
