Karate coach Onuelu confident of medal wins in global championships

Kingsley Onuelu, head coach of Nigeria’s cadet and junior national karate teams, has expressed optimism that the teams are now well-equipped to win medals in international competitions following their recent performance at the 2025 African Karate Championship.

Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Onuelu said the confidence and exposure gained from the continental event have significantly boosted the athletes’ morale and preparedness.

“This is the best result the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) has achieved in a continental championship. Many of the athletes were competing internationally for the first time and still managed to secure medals both individually and as a team,” he said.

All categories representing Nigeria – Cadet, Junior, Senior, and Para-Karate – returned with medals, marking a milestone in the federation’s history.

Onuelu attributed the team’s success to adequate preparation, including long-term camping and exposure to top-level competition styles from countries like Egypt, which he believes will be adopted to enhance future training.

He also urged the federation to organise more local competitions to keep the athletes active and competitive ahead of global tournaments.

Team Nigeria won a total of 15 medals at the championship: one gold, five silver, and nine bronze, finishing in seventh place overall.

Egypt topped the medal table with 36 medals (24 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze), followed by Morocco with 18 medals and Senegal with 6. The event, held from July 28, featured participation from 31 countries.