After two decades off the World Taekwondo medals table, Elizabeth Anyanacho has brought Team Nigeria back into global reckoning with a bronze-medal finish at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China.
Anyanacho, the reigning African Champion, competing in the women’s -67kg category, displayed outstanding form to defeat Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two intense rounds, 8–6 and 10–9, securing her place in the semi-finals — a result that assures Nigeria at least a bronze medal.
The victory marks Nigeria’s return to the World Taekwondo Championship medals table for the first time in 20 years, highlighting a major milestone for the country’s martial arts programme.
Reacting to the achievement, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), commended Anyanacho’s perseverance and consistency.
“I have been following the championship closely and I’m overjoyed with Elizabeth’s progress. She has shown great dedication over the years, and this result proves that Nigeria is returning to the global Taekwondo stage,” Popoola said.
He added that the federation and the entire nation are rallying behind Anyanacho as she aims for gold.
“She has two more fights to become the world champion in the women’s -67kg category. Winning them will make her the first Nigerian to ever claim gold at the World Championships,” Popoola noted.
Anyanacho will contest the semi-final bout later today as she continues her push to make history for Nigeria at the world stage.
The 27th edition of the World Taekwondo Championships will conclude on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Wuxi, China.
Reporting by Friday Joshua