Nigeria don enter 2026 African Taekwondo Championships wey dey hold for Bamako, Mali with 13-member squad wey include Para Taekwondo and Poomsae athletes for first time for the country's history.

This step show say Nigeria dey try expand Taekwondo beyond traditional fighting categories and dey create more opportunities for different kinds of athletes.

The squad selection come after National Taekwondo Federation Open Trials wey attract more than 300 athletes from across Nigeria, covering both Kyorugi (combat) and Poomsae (forms) categories.Tayo Popoola, wey be Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, express confidence sey the team fit perform well and represent Nigeria sharply.She also highlight the support wey the Federal Government provide, including preparation and logistics.

One important milestone wey dem achieve na successful Kukkiwon Dan certification for athletes, wey be international requirement for global competitions.Beyond the Bamako competition, the federation dey plan for bigger targets like African Games and 2028 Olympic Games for Los Angeles.

The Nigeria squad for Bamako include athletes across Kyorugi, Poomsae, and Para categories, and the technical crew dey led by John Victor and Santos Akhilele.This new direction dey show Nigeria Taekwondo dey evolve and dey ready to challenge for medals and continental recognition.