The Dragon Shotokan Karate Club has kicked off its first-ever National Open Tournament today, November 28, 2025, at the Mashod Abiola indoor hall, National Stadium in Abuja.
The Trumpet reports that the inaugural event features approximately 17 teams from across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), competing in the championship.
The landmark tournament represents a significant development for Nigeria’s karate federation, drawing considerable interest and attendance both domestically and internationally.
Since the tournament’s arrival day on Thursday, the sports indoor hall in Abuja has seen a growing number of spectators filling the seats.
On the official opening day, Friday, the hall was at full capacity as fans gathered to witness the exciting sporting event.
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Shortly before the first day of matches began, Dr. Mustafa Sherif Ramadan, a board member of the Nigerian Karate Federation, noted the impressive turnout of karate teams from barely all 36 states, including the FCT.
He confirmed that all preparations for the competitions were complete. He expressed the federation’s commitment to promoting karate in Nigeria.
Dr. Mustafa mentioned that there are numerous rewards for those who succeed in the tournament.
He stated that successful participants in the themed: ‘KFN Ranked Event Factor Six Dragon,’ will have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the African level after the championship, while winners at the African level will be able to qualify to compete on the global stage.
The chief referee of the event, Ayodeji Idowu, urged players and fans to adhere to the established rules and regulations of Karate to avoid disqualifications, penalties, points deductions and other punishable offenses.
Ayodeji criticized the unequal treatment of individual sports compared to team sports in Nigeria and called on the Federal Government to address this issue for improved sports outcomes in the country.
Abdulraham Buhari, the national judge for the karate federation, assured all teams of fair and impartial judgments while acknowledging the commendable compliance from participants and encouraging them to maintain this standard.
He commended President Tinubu’s administration for encouraging sports in the country.
