28th June, 2010
The Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) has concluded plans to organise a National Karate Classic Tournament. The competition is slated for 16 July at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos
The tourney is aimed at selecting the karatekas that will represent the country in the forthcoming Africa Karate Championship in August in Cape Town, South Africa.
Scribe of the Federation, Iyaluegbeghe Clement told P.M.Sports that the championship will be used to select karatekas for the Africa Karate Championship and the All Africa Games, which holds next year in Mozambique.
“I believe that the coaches will do a good job by selecting the best karatekas that will make Nigeria proud in South Africa and Mozambique,†he said.
The Edo State-born sports administrator said he will be fulfilled if he sees Nigerian karatekas come out victorious in South Africa after the Super Eagles disappointing outing in the on-going FIFA World Cup. He stated that if his federation gets necessary support from the sports ministry, unlike the Super Eagles, Nigeria would rule the world in karate.
“I strongly believe that we are not going to disappoint Nigerians because our target is to do well in the Africa Championship,†he said
He also disclosed that two days before the tourney, the KFN will organise a National Coaching Clinic for the Administrators, Clubs, Coaches and Institutions. The coaching clinic, according to scribe, is an avenue for the stakeholders to update their knowledge on the rules governing the game.
—Sunday Akintoye