Ifeoluwa Ajayi of Q-Madi Taekwondo Club of Lagos on Sunday won the 2017 Nigeria Taekwondo Open Championship’s first gold medal when she beat Ikejehova Jideofor in the women’s -63kg final.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ajayi had produced a late rally to land her trademark head-kick and stun Adaeze Amalume of Abia State 13-12 in the semi-final.
However, the opening against Amalume’s teammate, Jideofor, who had beaten Joy Ikpeamaeze 14-10 en route the final was a one-sided affair.
She led 6-0 in the first round before extending her lead to 23-0 in the second round.
Ajayi then won with the Referee’s Punitive Action a minute to the end of the second round as a visibly-exhausted Jideofor could not continue and had to settle for silver.
An elated Ajayi later told NAN the victory was special to her, adding that it was one she would cherish for a very long time to come.
She said: “To win the first-ever gold medal of the championship is obviously special and I want to thank my family and friends who supported me all the way.
“I also want to thank the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation for giving me the platform to perform. It has been amazing and my joy knows no bound.”
Jideofor on her part said it was all with a mixed feeling for her, adding that her opponent wanted the gold medal more even though she would have loved to win.
She said; “I am very happy. When I finished the fight I was a little sad, but now I am really happy because at least I have a medal to show for all my hard work.
“I lost against a better opponent and I congratulate her for the victory.”
Teams from 20 states, clubs and institutions, including two African countries Niger and Cameroon are taking part in the three-day championship.
The inaugural championship which got underway at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday is expected to end on Monday.
NAN.
