National Judo Champion, Adijat Azeez told www.aclsports.com that she abandoned her father’s house after returning from the African Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria.
Azeez defeated two former National Champions, Blessing Obaraje of Edo state and Esther Augustine of Delta State, to emerge 70kg champion at the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abuja.
The 16-year-old Judoka said the reason why she absconded from home was to help her concentrate ahead of the National Sports Festival.
Azeez said, “The African Youth Games camp really improved my fighting abilities and when we attended the Africa Games, I won a bronze (in the individual) and Silver (Team event).
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“Immediately I returned from Algiers, I ran away from my father’s house and relocated to the stadium where I train morning and night ahead of the festival because I was determined to be a champion”.
She said, “I am very excited because I never thought I could beat the senior National champions in one tournament. I thank Almighty God for fighting my bout on the mat and giving me the strength to face my opponents.
“I also want to thank Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu for approving funds for Team Ondo to attend the festival. Assuming I did not attend, this is how I could have lost the opportunity to become a National Champion. My coach has always been there for me during, before and after my training”.
Adijat Azeez is a student of the Akure Muslim College in the Senior Secondary (SS), two in Akure, Ondo state.
