29 Karatekas For Africa Zone III Championships

The Karate Federation of Nigeria has said that 29 karatekas are representing Nigeria at the 2011 Africa Zone III Karate Championships scheduled for Accra, Ghana. The champions- hips began at the weekend and will end on Sunday.

KFN secretary Clement Iyaluegbeghe, said that the championships would serve as a trial for the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, in September.

He said that initially 44 karatekas were invited to camp in Abuja from which the 29 were selected for the championships.

“Nigerians should expect nothing less than medals at the Games in Mozambique because the athletes are receiving the best of training and support from the National Sports Commission (NSC),” the secretary said.

He commended the NSC for the support given to the athletes so far.

“The karatekas we have now are interested in the sport and I am optimistic of a wonderful outing in Accra,” Iyaluegbeghe said.

According to him, the Zone III championships will help the athletes to prepare for the All Africa Games.

He listed other countries competing in the championships as Ghana; Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Togo and Benin Republic.

Nigeria won the 2010 edition of the Africa Zone III Karate Championships with three gold, three silver and two bronze medals.