Sports
IOC To Adopt Kungfu At 2020 Games
Technical Director, Nigeria Wushu-Kungfu Federation (NWKF), Michael Oladeinde, has said that he was hopeful that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would adopt the sport at the 2020 Olympic Games.
The Executive Board of the IOC on February 12 de-listed wresting from the sports for the 2020 Games.
It has shortlisted Wushu-Kungfu, Karate, Baseball/Softball, Squash, Roller Sports, Wakeboarding Sport climbing to replace Wrestling.
Oladeinde told Tidesports in Lagos that the decision would avail the International Wushu-Kungfu Federation with more time to push for the inclusion of the sport in the 2020 Olympics.
“This is good news for members of the International Wushu-Kungfu Federation. I strongly believe the sport will take the slot at the 2020 Olympics,’’ he said.
Oladeinde said the sport was demonstrated at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for the world to see and embrace.
The technical director said the body had started grooming young talents that would represent the country when the sport was eventually included in the Olympics.
“We already have young talents that we are nurturing to represent the country if the sport is finally in the Olympics,’’ Oladeinde said.
Also, the Secretary of NWKF, Solomon Mgbejume, said the federation would engage athletes in competitions to prepare them ahead of the 2020 Olympics.
He said that he was optimistic that the sport which has many medals, would be part of the 2020 Games.
“There are close to 100 medals to be won in Wushu-Kungfu and we will engage our athletes in competitions to prepare them ahead of 2020.
A Wushu-Kungfu judge, Felix Asemota, said the development was an indication of the popularity of the sport across the world.
He added that the NWKF should seize the opportunity to improve its technical officials and promote the sport at the grassroots.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
