Sports
World Taekwondo Closes Case After Nigerian Leaves Sport
World Taekwondo has confirmed that its case against Nigerian Olympic medallist, Chika Chukwumerije has closed after he quit the sport.
The 38-year-old, winner of a bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight division at Beijing 2008, was accused of assaulting female athletes.
Chukwumerije, who was technical director of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation (NTF), denies the allegations.
But he was ordered to undertake safeguarding education, “via a recognised and approved institution or programme” after an investigation by the World Taekwondo Integrity Committee.
The NTF was also told to “put in place approved protective measures”.
In May, Chukwumerije had a libel case over the claims against him thrown out by Nigeria’s High Court.
But his decision to leave the sport to focus on a career in engineering means he is no longer under World Taekwondo’s jurisdiction.
Chika Chukwumerije, right, won Olympic bronze at Beijing 2008 ©Getty Images
“The World Taekwondo Integrity Committee carefully reviewed the case against Chika Chukwumerije and the court decision of 31 May 2021 and mandated that pending the outcome of Mr Chukwumerije’s appeal, the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation must put in place approved protective measures and Mr Chukwumerije must undertake safeguarding education via a recognised and approved institution or programme,” the governing body said to inside the games.
“Now that Mr Chukwumerije has decided to leave the sport, World Taekwondo has no authority over him and so under Article 3.3 (D) of the Disciplinary Actions and Appeals Code, the case against him has been closed.
“Should he decide at any point in the future to return to the sport and therefore once again come under World Taekwondo’s purview, the case against him would be immediately reopened and the necessary action would be taken.”
Chukwumerije is the only Olympic medallist in taekwondo from Nigeria.
He won the African Games title in Algiers in 2007 and also competed at the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Olympics.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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