After two decades off the global podium, Nigeria has returned to the World Taekwondo medal table as Elizabeth Anyanacho delivered a stellar performance at the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China.

Competing in the women’s -67kg category, the reigning African Champion displayed remarkable skill and determination, defeating Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova O. in two tense rounds — 8–6 and 10–9 — to advance to the semi-finals, securing at least a bronze medal for Nigeria.

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master Tayo Popoola, hailed Anyanacho’s performance as a triumph of discipline and persistence.

“I’m thrilled by Elizabeth’s progress. Her years of dedication and consistency have paid off. This shows Nigeria is back on the global Taekwondo stage,” Popoola said.

He added, “She has two more fights to make history as the first Nigerian to win gold at the World Championships, and we’re standing firmly behind her as a Federation and as a nation.”

Anyanacho will take to the mat later today in the semi-final bout, with her eyes firmly set on making history for Nigeria in Wuxi.