Anyanacho Smashes 20-Year Drought, Restores Nigeria’s Glory At World Taekwondo Championships
By TAYO TAIWO (T.T.) OLUWOLE
AFTER two decades in the shadows, Nigeria has stormed back onto the global taekwondo podium — and it took the sheer determination and brilliance of Elizabeth Anyanacho to make it happen.
At the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships held in Wuxi, China, the 25-year-old powerhouse fought her way to a bronze medal in the women’s -67kg category, ending Nigeria’s 20-year medal drought at the prestigious event. The last time the country tasted World Championship success was in 2005, making Anyanacho’s feat a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting renaissance.
A Gritty Path to Glory
Anyanacho, who currently reigns as Africa’s top-ranked athlete in her weight division, showcased skill, precision, and resilience throughout the tournament.
Her road to the podium was marked by intensity and mental toughness. In the quarterfinals, she faced Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O., a formidable opponent known for her aggressive front-leg attacks. But Anyanacho remained composed, executing calculated counters and powerful head kicks to edge both rounds 8–6 and 10–9, securing her spot in the semifinals.
Though she eventually settled for bronze after a hard-fought semifinal loss, her performance stood out as one of the most impressive African displays at this year’s championships.
“This medal is for Nigeria,” she said after her match. “It’s proof that our athletes can compete with the best when we have the right support and preparation.”
Symbol of Nigeria’s Sporting Revival
Anyanacho’s success has reverberated across Nigeria’s sports community, reigniting hope and pride. The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed the achievement as “a beacon of the country’s sporting revival.”
“Elizabeth Anyanacho has reminded the world that Nigeria’s sporting spirit remains unbreakable,” Olopade declared. “Her performance in China is not just a personal triumph but a national victory that underscores our renewed investment in athlete development and federation reforms.”
He lauded the leadership of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) under Tayo Popoola for revitalising the sport through improved training programmes, international exposure, and grassroots talent discovery.
“This bronze breaks a 20-year drought and signals the rebirth of Nigerian taekwondo,” Olopade added.
Momentum Across Nigerian Sports
Anyanacho’s medal adds to what has been a resurgent year for Nigerian sports. From cricket and basketball to badminton, arm wrestling, and swimming, 2025 has seen Nigerian athletes consistently shine on global stages — a reflection of growing institutional support and private-sector partnerships.
Sports analysts say her victory also enhances Nigeria’s visibility in global combat sports, positioning the country as a future powerhouse if current reforms continue.
Inspiration for a New Generation
Beyond the medal, Anyanacho’s triumph has become a story of inspiration and national pride. Her success, driven by years of discipline and self-belief, resonates deeply with Nigeria’s youth, especially female athletes looking to break boundaries in male-dominated sports.
As she returns home to a hero’s welcome, her bronze medal gleams brighter than gold — a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience, resurgence, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“This is just the beginning,” she said with a smile. “Nigeria is back, and we’re going for gold next.”
