Nigeria Wins Three Gold Medals at African Taekwondo Championships in Mali

Nigeria secured three gold medals, one silver, and three bronze medals at the World Taekwondo‑sanctioned G‑4 tournament held at Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga in Mali, according to Sports Africana.

Morocco maintained its strong showing, earning a total of 14 medals—six gold, three silver, and five bronze.

The Nigerian team, fielding 13 athletes across Kyorugi, Poomsae, and Para events, achieved one of its best continental performances, amassing seven medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze) at the G‑4 competition.

The first gold came in Poomsae when Aderibigbe Faridah won the Freestyle Poomsae event. She also partnered with Salawudeen Abdulafeez to capture silver in the Pair Poomsae event.

Haruna Usman added a second gold in the Poomsae U‑40 Male category, while Para‑Taekwondo athlete Mathew Udom earned gold in the –57kg Kyorugi division.

UK‑based athlete Joel Jordan earned Nigeria’s opening medal of the tournament, taking bronze in the men’s +87kg division.

The second bronze was won by Chidinma Okoko in the women’s 62kg category. Starting from the quarterfinals, she defeated Mali’s Samake Goundo to reach the semifinals, ultimately finishing third and adding to Nigeria’s medal count.

Both Niger and host Côte d’Ivoire delivered strong performances in the combat (Kyorugi) divisions, finishing second and third, respectively, in the overall combined men’s and women’s team trophies.

The Niger contingent also secured several championship titles, including Nouridine Issaka in the –58kg category, who received the tournament’s MVP award.