After a 20-year absence from the global Taekwondo medals table, Elizabeth Anyanacho has successfully returned Team Nigeria to the podium with a historic performance at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China.
Competing in the women’s -67kg category, the reigning African Champion displayed exceptional skill and composure to defeat Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two thrilling rounds, 8–6 and 10–9, earning her a place in the semi-finals which would guarantee Nigeria at least a bronze medal.
Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, described Anyanacho’s success as a product of years of dedication and resilience.
“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.
Popoola further expressed confidence in Anyanacho’s ability to go all the way and make history.
“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. We are solidly behind her as a Federation and as a nation.”
Elizabeth Anyanacho is set to step onto the mat later today for her semi-final clash, in her quest to make history for Nigeria.
The 27th edition of the World Taekwondo Championships would be concluded on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Wuxi, China.
