EXCLUSIVE: No Nigerian Judoka Qualified For Tokyo Olympics

IKPO IGBINOBA 

Contrary to widespread media reports that Nigerian judoka, Enku Ewa-Ekuta has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, findings have revealed otherwise.

In early February, news filtered into town of Miss Ewa-Ekuta’s qualification through a press release issued by an agency.

The Nigerian sporting media feasted on the news to celebrate Enku Ewa-Ekuta, as first Nigerian to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

However, the truth emerged during the week that the story of qualification was pure falsehood.Technical representative on the board of the dissolved Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF, Dickson Egbowon in an interview with P.M. EXPRESS dismissed the claim.

According to him “As at today, May 14, 2021, no Nigerian judoka has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics”.When taken up on the claim that Miss Ewa-Ekuta had qualified, the former national coach said.

He explained it was still possible for the -63 kg fighter to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics if she performed well at the upcoming qualifiers.”It is possible for Miss Ewa-Ekuta to qualify if she does well in the remaining qualifiers. But as at today, she has not qualified”, Mr. Egbowon stressed.

To get a clearer picture, PM Express visited the website of the world’s governing body, the International Judo Federation, IJF, www.ijf.org.

From the findings there, Miss Ewa-Ekuta with 630 points was the fifth placed on the African continent contrary to  claims in media reports that she was third. She was ranked 62nd in the world.

Topping the African chart is Amina Belkadi of Algeria who has grossed 1958 points. She is ranked 33rd in the world.

Helen Wereu of Cameroon with 1185 points is second on the African log and 46th in the world.

Morocco’s Bellatin Sofia with 1055 points is third on the continent and 51st in the world.Danielle Nomenjanahary of Madagascar  is fourth on the log with 647 points. She is 60th in the world.

Nigeria’s Enku Ewa-Ekuta with 630 points is fifth on the African log and 62nd position in the world.

Former national judo coach, Edokpolor Ihaza said the failure of Nigeria to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics was an indication that judo was going through a difficult time.”In the past, Nigeria used to qualify for judo without stress, unnecessary drama and controversy.

But the story has changed because of bad administration.He was however optimistic that the future was bright for the sport. “Nigerian judo has a bright future. If we all play our individual parts responsibly then, Nigerian judo will regain her lost glory”.