29 Karatekas Selected For African Championships

The Karate Federation of
Nigeria (KFN) has in Lagos said 29 karatekas were selected at the just-concluded trials held at Asaba, from June 26 to June 29.
Anthony Idaye, the KFN Secretary, told newsmen that the trial was to select karatekas for the 15th Senior African Karate Championships scheduled for Senegal.
The championships are scheduled to hold from August 13 to 17.
The KFN secretary said the karatekas chosen comprised of 16 men and 13 women.
Idaye said they were selected based on their individual outstanding performances at the trials.
“It was a highly competitive trial where we had over 100 karatekas of various categories from across the nation.
“The competition was hitch-free and officiated by competent referees.
“All the karatekas who took part did well, but some of them did better and proved their competence.
“This made them to stand out to be selected by the certified officials,’’ he said.
According to him, the federation now awaits the approval of the proposal sent to the National Sports Commission (NSC) with regards to the country’s participation at the continental championships.
“Being an international competition, we didn’t want to just pick athletes based on past records. This is why we conducted the trials, for us to know the karatekas we are going with.
“Once we get a positive response from the NSC, we will invite the selected karatekas for closed camping, so that comprehensive preparations will begin in earnest,’’ the KFN secretary said.
He expressed optimism that the selected karatekas have what it takes to make the country proud at the championships.
Idaye however applauded Donatus Agu-Ejidike, the KFN President, for sponsoring the trials.