Africa’s number one female taekwondo fighter in the -67 kg category, Elizabeth Anyanacho, has made history by winning a bronze medal at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China Nigeria’s first world medal in two decades.
Her victory marks a remarkable comeback for Nigerian taekwondo, ending a 20-year medal drought at the global level and reaffirming her place as one of Africa’s most dominant athletes in the sport.
A Trailblazer for Nigerian Taekwondo
Born on April 9, 1999, Anyanacho has been a consistent trailblazer. She won bronze at the 2019 African Games, claimed the Nigeria Open title in Abuja, and became the first Nigerian woman in 16 years to qualify for the Olympics, representing the country at the Tokyo 2020 Games, following in the footsteps of Princess Dudu.
In 2024, she added another milestone by winning gold at the African Games in Ghana, setting the stage for her latest global achievement.
Dominant Display in Wuxi
The 26-year-old star delivered a spirited performance in the women’s -67 kg division, defeating Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova Ozoda in two intense rounds (8–6, 10–9) to secure her place in the semi-finals and clinch bronze.
After the fight, an elated Anyanacho expressed optimism about Nigeria’s growing presence in international taekwondo.
“I am very happy with my medal win. This record makes me excited for the future,” she said.
National Pride and Recognition
Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, hailed Anyanacho’s triumph as a landmark achievement for Nigerian sports:
“Elizabeth Anyanacho has reminded the world that Nigeria’s sporting spirit remains unbreakable. Her performance in China is not just a personal triumph but a national victory that reflects the results of our renewed focus on athlete development and sports federation reforms.”
He further commended the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation (NTF) under its president, Tayo Popoola, for establishing a revitalized structure that is now producing tangible results.
“This medal breaks a 20-year wait and signals a new era for Nigerian taekwondo,” Olopade added.
With this victory, Elizabeth Anyanacho cements her status as a pioneer and national hero, reigniting hope for Nigeria’s return to global prominence in taekwondo.
