Nigeria's Taekwondo Promise: A Symphony of Youth, Diversity, and Ambition

In the heart of Nigeria, a story unfolds within the Taekwondo community. A recent analysis of 144 athletes offers a window into a world where youth, diversity, and ambition converge, painting a picture of a sport that could play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future. The athletes, predominantly in the age bracket of 18-25, reflect Nigeria's youthful spirit, as the survey showed that around 62% of those who responded fall within the age bracket of 18-25.

This age group is the backbone of Nigerian Taekwondo and the driving force behind its future. For a country with an average age of about 18 and a youth population of more than 70%, enabling activities that engage and develop the exact human capital the continent requires is critical—cue in Taekwondo.

Taekwondo athletes in action

These athletes also represent a blend of academic ambition and sporting prowess. The survey responses showed that 84% of the athletes were either enrolled in universities and polytechnics or were proud graduates, demonstrating their ability to balance academic endeavors with rigorous training schedules. However, there is more to be learned from those crucial statistics; there is a great chance to transform Taekwondo, a school sport, into a lucrative industry with a vast ecosystem. In addition, public-private partnerships could fuel the growth of Taekwondo in Nigeria, offering resources and opportunities that can elevate the sport to new heights. By creating synergies between government initiatives and private-sector support, Taekwondo could become a lucrative industry with a vast ecosystem, resulting in fewer dropout rates, fewer crimes, higher enrollment and scholarships at schools, international accolades for the Nigerian national team, and more.

There’s more. A significant 45% of the athletes reported being unemployed, even though approximately 55% reported being self-employed or employed. There is an urgent need for programs that promote both career and athletic development. Imagine a Taekwondo ecosystem in which they could receive allowances, brand ambassador positions, competition prizes, and scholarships.

Most of these athletes dream of competing in prestigious international G4-level competitions, embodying the high aspirations that could fuel their rigorous training regimes. Sadly, most of these athletes also have never competed at the G1 level, showing a wide gap between dreams and reality. Nigeria is blessed with talent, it will be an atrocity if the next generation is untapped to their full potential, just as the previous ones have.

Elizabeth Anyanacho at the Olympics Games

Taekwondo in Nigeria is more than just a physical activity; it is a unifying force that brings diverse groups together, instilling a sense of national identity and pride. The sport has enormous potential to empower young people, shape them into leaders and role models, and contribute significantly to community development. As previously stated, by engaging young people in Taekwondo, communities can provide positive alternatives to crime by instilling discipline, purpose, and a sense of community.

We also repeat that incorporating Taekwondo into school sports programs could be a game-changer. It's about tapping into the pool of young talent and instilling values of discipline and excellence from an early age.

This report is a call to action, a rallying cry for stakeholders to acknowledge Taekwondo as more than a sport. It's an opportunity for social change, youth development, and national unity. Most importantly, it is a call to all taekwondo stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, referees, medical staff, and more. You are sitting on a goldmine, and mediocrity is no longer acceptable.

In every stance, strike, and bout, these athletes represent the resilience and potential of Nigeria's youth. With strategic support, inclusive policies, and community involvement, Taekwondo can become a beacon of hope and a symbol of Nigeria's strength and unity. This journey transcends sports; it's about shaping a nation's future, one kick at a time.