President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Silas Agara, has hailed the impressive strides made by Nigerian athletes in the sport, following the successful hosting of the African Karate Championship in Abuja.

The championship, which drew participation from over 30 countries and featured more than 1,000 athletes, concluded on a high note in Nigeria’s capital.

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, Agara acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Sports Commission, which contributed significantly to the successful hosting of the tournament.

Agara said: “We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far. Hosting this championship successfully is a big win for us. With the level of participation and competition witnessed here, we are encouraged to keep pushing our athletes.”

He pointed out that countries like Egypt arrived with 10 world-class athletes, yet Nigerian athletes were able to compete strongly with them in the finals.

Agara also noted the presence of other countries such as Senegal and Burkina Faso, which have invested heavily in karate.

He added, “Our athletes are now performing at a level where they can share the podium with the best. Morocco also sent five world-ranked athletes. For a long time, North African nations have dominated the sport, but Nigeria is now making its mark.

“Compared to them, we are newcomers, but with what we’ve achieved, winning medals across various categories, there is every reason to be proud. It shows our athletes are on the right path.”

He concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future in karate, stating that with continued investment and development, the country will soon become a force to reckon with in the sport across Africa and beyond.