Elizabeth Anyanacho Ends Nigeria’s 20-Year Wait at World Taekwondo Championships

Nigeria is back on the global Taekwondo map as African number one, Elizabeth Anyanacho, made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s -67kg category at the World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China.

Her victory marks Nigeria’s first World Taekwondo Championship medal in two decades, a milestone that signals the nation’s resurgence in the sport.

Anyanacho delivered a standout performance, defeating Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two tightly contested rounds — 8–6 and 10–9 — to secure her place in the semi-finals and ultimately claim bronze.

This achievement comes amid renewed optimism in Nigeria’s sporting landscape, following the election of new federation leaders, including Tayo Popoola, the recently inaugurated President of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation.

Reacting to the historic win, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), lauded Anyanacho’s resilience and excellence, describing the medal as a symbol of 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 — the result of our renewed focus on athlete development and sports federation reforms. This medal breaks a 20-year jinx and ushers in a new era for Nigerian Taekwondo.”

Nigeria’s strong showing in Taekwondo adds to a growing list of international sporting successes in 2025, including cricket, basketball, arm wrestling, badminton, and swimming — reflecting a broader renaissance across the nation’s sporting disciplines.