Nigeria’s Ability Udom lived up to her name by proving there is indeed “Ability in Disability” after becoming the country’s first gold medalist at the ongoing African Taekwondo Championships in Mali.

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Udom, one of the 11 athletes representing Nigeria at the championship and one of only three para-athletes in the contingent, clinched gold in the women’s K44 -57kg category of the para-taekwondo event.

The Akwa Ibom-born athlete, ranked No. 1 in her category, ensured Nigeria’s place among the championship’s top performers by delivering the country’s first gold medal at the competition, which ran from May 30 to June 2 in Mali.

Nigeria’s gold medal haul was further boosted by Haruna Usman and Faridah Aderibigbe, who emerged champions in the U-40 Male Poomsae and U-30 Female Freestyle Poomsae events respectively.

Speaking after her triumph, Udom expressed delight at her achievement and thanked Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, Ms. Tayo Popoola, for her unwavering support.

“I am happy with my achievement, especially helping my country, Nigeria, win a gold medal in my event,” she said.

“I am grateful to God because my name is working — Ability. I have shown that there is Ability in Disability.”

Five other Nigerian athletes also secured bronze medals across various events. UK-based Juel Jordan claimed bronze in the men’s heavyweight (+87kg) category, while 2024 African Games bronze medalist Chidinma Okoko added another bronze in the women’s -62kg division.

Salawudeen Abdulafeez earned Nigeria’s third bronze medal after finishing third in the U-30 Male Poomsae event. Abdulafeez and Aderibigbe also combined to win bronze in the Pair Poomsae category.

Reacting to the team’s performance, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation President, Ms. Tayo Popoola, commended the athletes and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to providing them with more exposure through international competitions.

She also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission for supporting the team’s participation in the championship.

Popoola noted that the tournament was highly competitive, featuring athletes from more than 35 countries, including several world and Olympic medalists.

“It was a tough championship,” Popoola said. “We won three gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals.

“I am delighted that our athletes gave their best and represented Nigeria with pride. It is encouraging to see that we now have athletes capable of competing with the very best across Africa at major championships.”