Sports
WKU Achievements, Prospects In Nigeria
Kickboxing is one of the combat sports in the world that is currently gathering more followership and popularity. The sport’s administrative body at the international level is christened World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU).
The sport arguably is the most popular martial arts in recent times. It is safe to practice because a lot of personal defensive gears are involved Besides, kickboxing has different styles that attract participation, they are; semi contact which is very close to Taekwando, light contact which extensive power is not allowed and no knock downs and full contact, low kicks K1 are played in the ring, with Kata forms is a musical shadow fight.
The nature of the sports made it to have several set backs before it was finally given a nod to be recognized as one of the sports in Nigeria, in 1993.
The delayance for the sports to be recognised was because the then military felt the sports was too physical and combative, that it is expected to be for the military men, they further conceived the fears that many people will misuse the techniques acquired to become street fighters alone.
But today, the story of kickboxing is the opposite thought of people because it has actually insert discipline in the kickboxing athletes or fighters.
No doubt the WKU, Nigeria have same challenges that are limiting them to achieve their set goals. This is so because the association is a non- profit making organisation, which means there are no source of funds other than sponsorship and donations from well meaning Nigerians.
Inspite of the challenges, the President of WKU in Nigeria, Nizar Taleb, is poised to develop the sports to the highest level in the country.
According to him, since he took over mantle of leadership in August, 2016, he has put a road map with Nigerian Kickboxing Association to take the Sports to Professional level and create avenue for all talented fighters in Nigeria to reach world class level.
“I have been encouraging Nigerian children to start with the sports early so that we can keep them out of the streets and all form of bad habits that are destroying our children nowadays,” Taleb said.
The president, who started martial arts at the age of seven and three time world champion with a lot of international medals and recognition explained that he has organised in-house seminars for judges, referees and fighters to enable them know the new rules and techniques of the sports.
“The second seminar held last week was for judges and referees with practical and written examination to certify those that will officiate when we will hold our WKU championship billed to commence from 28th to 30th April, this year in Port Harcourt.
“I want to say that two WKU belt fights will be nominated for the best of the best fighters. Then winners shall be nominated to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming world championships in Ireland August, this year,” he stated.
Taleb equally said that his vision is to ensure that over 80 million Nigerians out of the 180 million in the country to be kick boxers, saying that what inspired him to like kickboxing is that as a little boy he watched the films of a celebrated movie star Bruce Lee, because of his techniques’ moves and styles of fighting.
Consequently, he proceeded to study martial arts sciences with a Master Degree in Martial Arts of Science from Fima University London, now preparing for Doctorate in same field.
His achievements have earned him a Grade A head referee and instructor by many world organisations.
Taleb, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UTF companies said the advantages of kickboxing are enormous, adding that apart from its great workout for the body, it will give you self esteem and confidence when you are in the street.
“Kickboxing techniques are very practical to be used as a self defence style in the streets, as contrary to other traditional martial arts that cannot be practised during a street fight”, he added.
He used the forum to appeal to parents to encourage their children to learn Martial Arts and promised the World President of WKU, Klaus Naumekhor, that Nigeria will attend the World Championships in Ireland with the best fighters.
“Nigerian fighters are mentally balanced to attend the world championship. Other countries should also prepare for us, because from what I am seeing our boys are not far from the world class level they just need little advice, amendments in training and good system to follow.
“They are very strong but will to be given the path to take out this strong power and make of it a maximum force,” he stated.
Tonye Orabere
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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