Elizabeth Anyanacho Clinches Historic World Taekwondo Medal for Nigeria

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria has stormed back onto the global Taekwondo scene in emphatic fashion, ending a two-decade absence from the world medal table — thanks to a stunning performance from Elizabeth Anyanacho at the 27th World Taekwondo Championships currently taking place in Wuxi, China.

Anyanacho, the reigning African Champion competing in the -67kg women’s category, produced a display of grit, precision, and composure to outclass Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova in a thrilling quarterfinal clash. The 25-year-old Nigerian won in straight rounds — 8–6 and 10–9 — securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals and guaranteeing Nigeria at least a bronze medal.

The achievement marks Nigeria’s first medal at the World Taekwondo Championships in 20 years, reigniting hopes for a full resurgence of the sport in the country.

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Grand Master Tayo Popoola, expressed immense pride in Anyanacho’s historic feat, describing it as a testament to resilience, focus, and dedication.

“I have been following the championship closely and I’m overjoyed with Elizabeth’s progress. She has shown great dedication over the years, and this result proves that Nigeria is returning to the global Taekwondo stage,” Popoola said.

The NTF President further voiced confidence that the young fighter could go all the way to clinch the ultimate prize.

“She has two more fights to become the world champion in the women’s -67kg category. Winning them will make her the first Nigerian to ever claim gold at the World Championships. We are solidly behind her as a Federation and as a nation,” he added.

Anyanacho, who represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has been one of the country’s most consistent performers in recent years. Her latest success in Wuxi is seen not only as personal redemption but also as a revival moment for Nigerian Taekwondo, which last celebrated a world medal two decades ago.

With her semi-final bout scheduled for later today, all eyes are now on Anyanacho as she seeks to break new ground by becoming Nigeria’s first-ever World Taekwondo Champion.

The 2025 World Taekwondo Championships, the 27th edition of the prestigious event, runs from October 24 to 30 in Wuxi, China, attracting elite athletes from around the globe.