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History Made in Mali: Ability Udom Leads Nigeria’s Golden Surge at African Taekwondo Championship

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

Preport

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.

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.”

Related Topics:Ability African Championship Golden history Leads Mali Nigerias Surge Taekwondo Udom

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Sen Jang Opposes Indigene Certificates for Hausa/Fulani Residents, Raises Concerns Over Plateau Identity

Published

3 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would allow Hausa/Fulani residents in Plateau State to obtain indigene certificates, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and indigenous rights. Jang made his position known while addressing ongoing debates surrounding citizenship, residency, and indigeneity, topics that have remained at the center of political and social discussions in Plateau State for decades.

According to the former governor, indigene certificates are historically linked to communities and ethnic groups recognized as the original inhabitants of Plateau State and should not be granted solely on the basis of long-term residence. He argued that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and conduct lawful activities anywhere in the country, such rights should not automatically translate into indigene status, which he said carries unique cultural and historical significance.

Jang further maintained that preserving the distinction between residents and indigenes is necessary to protect the interests, heritage, and political representation of indigenous communities. He warned that altering the existing framework could create tensions and undermine the rights of groups that have historically been recognized as native to the state. The former governor emphasized the need for careful consideration of any policy changes relating to indigene certificates to avoid unintended consequences.

The comments have since generated mixed reactions among stakeholders across the state and beyond. While supporters of Jang’s position argue that protecting indigenous identity is essential for maintaining social and cultural balance, others contend that individuals who have lived in Plateau for generations should be afforded broader recognition and inclusion. The debate continues to spark conversations on the broader issues of citizenship, belonging, and equal opportunities within Nigeria’s diverse society.

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Vincent Ugwoke Makes Nigerian Athletics History with NCAA Discus Bronze

Published

4 hours ago

June 14, 2026

Preport

Nigerian thrower Vincent Ugwoke produced one of the most significant performances in Nigerian field event history, launching a massive personal best of 63.89 metres to claim the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sports247 reports that the outstanding effort not only secured Ugwoke a place on the podium but also elevated him into the history books, recording the furthest discus throw by a Nigerian athlete since 2004.

Competing against one of the strongest collegiate fields in the world, Ugwoke delivered when it mattered most, producing a career-best mark to earn his first NCAA medal and underline his growing status among Nigeria’s elite field athletes.

The event was won by Jamaican star Ralford Mullings, who captured gold with a throw of 65.81m, while compatriot Racquil Broderick secured silver with a personal best of 64.15m. Ugwoke’s 63.89m throw completed the podium and ensured Nigeria was represented among the medal winners.

Beyond the medal itself, the significance of the performance lies in its historical context. Nigerian athletics has traditionally been known for its success in sprinting and jumping events, making Ugwoke’s achievement particularly noteworthy.

His mark stands as the best by a Nigerian discus thrower in more than two decades, highlighting both the quality of his performance and its importance for the development of field events in the country.

The bronze medal also caps an impressive season of progress for the Nigerian, whose steady improvement culminated in a breakthrough performance on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.

Delivering a personal best under championship pressure is a testament to both his preparation and competitive mindset.

For Nigerian athletics, Ugwoke’s achievement serves as a reminder of the growing depth of talent emerging across different disciplines.

His success could provide inspiration for a new generation of throwers looking to make their mark nationally and internationally.

With a personal best, an NCAA bronze medal, and a place in the record books now secured, Vincent Ugwoke leaves the championships having achieved a truly memorable milestone.

His 63.89m throw will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerian discus performances of the modern era and a significant moment in the resurgence of Nigerian field events.