Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and Niger Republic dominated the medal hauls at the second edition of Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation, CCSF,International Taekwondo Opens.
The two-day championship, which attracted more than 300 athletes drawn from eight countries including host – Nigeria competed for the two point eight million naira prize money.
Out of the eight gold medals at stake, NSCDC won three, while Niger Republic got two while Kano and Zamfara states got one as well as Nigeria Police.
NSCDC gold medals came in the men’s -80kg won by Sunday Onofe, while Chiamaka Onumonu and Chinazum Nwosu claimed the two gold medals in the women’s +67kg and -57kg.
In the presence of its ambassador, Niger Republic led by Francophone vice champion, Abdoulrasak Alfaga claimed two gold medals to the admiration of the team.
Alfaga, who was superb in all his bouts, won gold in the men’s +80kg, while the second gold came through Garba Ismael in the men’s -68kg.
Aside the two gold medals, the Nigeriens also claimed two bronze medals in the men’s -80kg and -57kg.
Among the eight foreign teams that featured in the tournament, Mali also joined Niger Republic in the medals table with two bronze and one silver medals.
Niang Seydou won the silver in the men’s -68kg, while the duo of Ballo Adama and Kadiatou Diallo claimed the bronze in the men’s -58kg and women’s -67kg.
Speaking after his win against Oyo’s Chukwudi Nzelu in the men’s -80kg, NSCDC’s Onofe said he was happy retaining the title he won at the maiden edition of the competition.
“I think the second edition was a bit tough because most of my opponent really fought well and for me retaining the title was indeed a happy ending for me in this competition. My opponent in the final is an experienced fighter but I did not allow him space to hit me and this really gave me an edge over him,” Onofe admitted.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony, Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye lauded the organisers of the tournament, while assuring that the commission would continue to support CCSF in all its programmes.
“We are so excited with what CCSF is doing especially with all its grassroots programme and for us at NSC, such body would continue to receive our support. We also believe with this kind of initiative, our hope of winning medal at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil is certain,” the DG said.
For the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, the next edition promises to be bigger as plans are on to enlarge the competition.
He however, commended NSC for its unflinching support to the Foundation, while calling on corporate bodies to identify with the programmes put in place by CCSF.
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