The Dragon Shotokan Karate Club closed its first National Karate Championship at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja with a level of fanfare that caught the attention of athletes and spectators across the country. The two-day event, which opened on November 28, drew a strong field of competitors and ended with generous cash rewards for medal winners.
Gold medalists earned one hundred thousand naira, silver medalists received sixty thousand, and bronze medalists took thirty thousand. The total prize pool reached 3.6 million naira, setting a new benchmark for privately driven karate events in Nigeria. Many athletes noted that the tournament stood out for its organisation and for its commitment to rewarding excellence.
The President of Dragon Shotokan Nigeria, Mr Reachi Emenike Emmanuel, described the championship as a turning point for the sport. He said that karate athletes in Nigeria had long relied on certificates alone, but the club had decided to lift the standard by attaching cash prizes and ranking points. He explained that the championship would now serve as a selection ground for athletes aiming to compete internationally.
The international female leader of the club, Synthiya, thanked sponsors and volunteers for sustaining the event. She praised the discipline shown by the athletes and expressed hope that the values of respect, perseverance and humility would remain central to their training. She also acknowledged the sponsors who funded the championship, including Cretetech Global Limited, Expo Solutions Ltd, Ekoh C. Ekoh Enterprises Nigeria Ltd, Silveron Nigeria Ltd, Necfine Trading and Farming Services Ltd, Abumet Nigeria Ltd, Setraco Nigeria Ltd, Yuharu Nigeria Ltd and Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
The Secretary of the African Karate Federation and Chairman of the Referees Commission for West Africa described the competition as a promising foundation. He urged more clubs to organise tournaments to help the sport grow and called for stronger government support, noting that many national athletes depend on private sponsorship. He said that regular competitions would prepare Nigerian karatekas for international events, including ongoing matches in Cairo.
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The championship featured a wide range of categories, producing strong performances across both male and female divisions. Victory Estiemo topped the female Team Kumite at minus 50 kg. In the male minus 84 kg category, Dauda Nasiru finished first. Abdulsamiu Abubakar took the top spot in the minus 75 kg category, with Aslam Kabir in second. The female minus 68 kg final went to Onyeme Blessing, while Chika Obi Chinemerem led the plus 68 kg women’s category. Bashir Nurudeen shone in the men’s minus 60 kg, while Christabel Daniel won the female 61 kg Kumite. Onobu Benjamin claimed the male plus 84 kg title.
Delta State dominated the female Team Kumite and the Team Kata events, while Edo and WSKF followed behind. In the male Kata individual category, Tanko Fagboro finished first, ahead of Kehinde Fagboro. Numerous other categories produced tightly contested matches, with several bronze positions shared.
The full results reflected a broad showcase of emerging talent. Maryam Gimba won the female individual Kata, followed by Jennifer Ehigibue in second place. Victory Estiemo repeated her success in the female minus 50 kg Kumite, while Christabel Daniel and Onyeme Blessing maintained their winning form in the minus 61 kg and minus 68 kg categories. In the female plus 86 kg class, Chika Obi Chinemerem secured the gold medal. Male Team Kumite entries came from FCT, Kwara, Hardwick and Nasarawa, adding regional colour to the competition.
The success of this inaugural event has strengthened hopes that the Dragon Shotokan initiative will renew national interest in karate and encourage young athletes to take up the sport. The strong turnout, prize structure and international ranking potential have positioned the championship as one of the most promising additions to Nigeria’s sporting calendar.
