Commonwealth Games: Judo is back in Nigeria, says Oshodi

Following the successful conclusion of the National Judo trials for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, president of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Musa Oshodi, has said the trials showed portrayed the new spirit of the country’s judo.

The trials was held at the Sports Hall of the Molade Okoya-Thomas, Teslim Balogun Stadium, with Bayelsa State’s judokas emerging over all winners at the three-day event. It was organised as part of preparation for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, which holds from July 28 to August 28 in Birmingham.

According to Oshodi, “I know that our fans have enjoyed the throws, falls and various techniques displayed by the judokas from across the country. We can see that the narrative has changed for our sport.

“With supreme confidence, I can say that judo is back in Nigeria and back with a big bang. With the blockbuster performance of our warriors on the mats, Nigerian judokas are now raring to conquer the world.

“Apart from providing facilities, Lagos also created a convivial environment, which will ensure the trials are etched eternally in our memories,” he said.

He disclosed that following the trials, which had 124 judokas from across 19 states and clubs competing for spots in seven men and women weight categories, the successful athletes would be called to camp for further training ahead of Birmin
gham 2022.

At the end of the competition, five athletes from Bayelsa State won gold medals and got automatic slots for the national camp.

Apart from winning the top prize, Bayelsa State’s Ika-Bassey Nsa (-73kg) was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. He got a giant trophy to show for his prowess, just as Team Lagos got the Best Behaved Team award.

Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Secretary General, Olabanji Oladapo, Vice President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Ms Tayo Popoola and other dignitaries graced the closing ceremony spiced with distribution of products and gift items from Kellogs.