Anyanacho Ends 20-Year Wait as Nigeria Returns to World Taekwondo Championship Podium

Anyanacho Ends 20-Year Wait as Nigeria Returns to World Taekwondo Championship Podium

By BSN Sports 

Nigeria has made a triumphant return to the global taekwondo stage after two decades, thanks to Elizabeth Anyanacho, who clinched a bronze medal in the women’s -67kg category at the World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Anyanacho, currently ranked Africa’s number one in her weight class, delivered a series of outstanding performances to secure the podium finish Nigeria’s first medal at the World Championships since 2005.

The 25-year-old fighter edged out Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in a tense quarterfinal bout, winning both rounds 8–6 and 10–9 to advance to the semi-finals, where she eventually settled for bronze.

Her achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigerian Taekwondo, reigniting the nation’s presence on the world stage and highlighting the steady progress under the new leadership of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), led by Tayo Popoola.

National Pride and Renewed Hope for Nigerian Sports

Reacting to the historic feat, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed Anyanacho’s resilience, describing her performance as a testament to Nigeria’s sporting revival. “Elizabeth Anyanacho has reminded the world that Nigeria’s sporting spirit remains unbreakable,” Olopade said. “Her performance in China is not just a personal triumph but a national victory that reflects the results of our renewed focus on athlete development and sports federation reforms.”

He added that the medal “breaks a 20-year drought” and “signals a new era for Nigerian Taekwondo,” commending the NTF leadership for its commitment to restoring the sport’s global relevance.

A Resurgent Year for Nigerian Sports

Anyanacho’s podium finish adds to Nigeria’s growing list of international successes in 2025 across multiple sports, including cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, and swimming — all seen as indicators of the country’s renewed investment in athlete performance and international competitiveness.

Her bronze medal not only cements her status as one of Africa’s elite martial artists but also serves as inspiration for a new generation of Nigerian athletes aiming for excellence on the world stage.