Silas Agara, President of the Nigeria Karate Federation (NKF), has disclosed that Nigeria’s primary focus remains the development of cadet and junior athletes who will represent the nation at the Olympics and other global events.
He stated this on Friday, at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, in Day One of the ongoing 2025 Africa Karate Championship, with over 34 countries in attendance.
Speaking during the championship, Agara emphasized that the tournament offers a golden opportunity for Nigeria to nurture young talents with the determination and potential to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
“We are investing our time and resources in the cadet and junior categories. These young athletes are the future of karate in Nigeria, and we believe they have what it takes to compete at the highest levels globally,” Agara stated.
He further revealed that plans are underway to register Nigeria’s young athletes for an international event scheduled for October, which will serve both as a preparatory platform and an opportunity to earn points toward qualification for the World Championship.
Commenting on Nigeria’s hosting of the tournament, Agara—who was recently elected as the 4th Vice President of the African Karate Federation—disclosed that although Nigeria did not initially bid to host the championship, the country has exceeded expectations in delivering a world-class event.
“We never bid for this championship because stronger nations like Libya, Egypt, and Morocco had already shown interest. But to the glory of God, we have hosted one of the best African Karate Championships ever,” he said.
“We have the best mats on display, an exceptional ambiance, and arguably the finest medals ever presented in the history of African karate championships.”
Agara credited the success of the tournament to the unwavering support of the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission. He also commended Nigerian athletes for their impressive performances and praised the participation of 34 countries—a rare feat in African sports championships.
“We’re proud of our athletes and grateful for the unity this championship has brought to African karate,” he added.
Agara reaffirmed the federation’s strong commitment to grassroots development across the country.
Meanwhile, stakeholders and dignitaries from around the world, including the President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), Antonio Espinós, expressed high praise for the facilities and overall organization of the event.
“I am impressed by the edifice and top-notch facilities here in Abuja. The standards are very high,” Espinós remarked.
Similarly, the newly elected President of the Union of Africa Karate Federation (UAKF), Souleymane Gaye, also lauded Nigeria for hosting a befitting championship, describing the facilities as “world-class.”
On the competitive front, Team Nigeria delivered an impressive performance on Day One of the championship, clinching five medals to finish second on the medals table.
Nigeria’s medal haul included one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, reaffirming the country’s growing stature on the continental karate scene.
The 2025 Africa Karate Championship, currently ongoing in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has drawn elite athletes from across the continent in a vibrant celebration of skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.
