KINGSLEY EBERE
The current Vice President of the African Taekwondo Union, Dr Jonathan Nnaji, is gearing up for a tough battle in the upcoming African Union Taekwondo elective General Assembly election on 24th April, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the Nigerian representative, Dr Nnaji, is facing stiff competition from other African countries, who are members of the Union.
The African Taekwondo Union comprises 53 African countries, and each country’s Taekwondo Federation president will cast vote to decide the winners. With eight African countries already submitting their applications for the Vice President position, the competition is fierce.
Dr. Nnaji has intensified his campaign, visiting various countries across Africa to rally support. His itinerary includes stops in East Africa, West Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa, and Central Africa. However, funding these trips is a significant challenge, and the campaign capital is substantial due to the number of countries involved.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Nnaji’s experience and achievements make him a strong candidate. He has served Nigeria in various sports capacities, including the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation and two-time 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. He’s also a 7th-degree world black belt holder and former Nigeria middleweight Taekwondo Champion.
Dr Nnaji is still serving as chairman Nigeria Olympic Committee OlympAfrica commission.
Nigerians are urged to support Dr. Nnaji’s re-election bid, drawing lessons from the recent CAF election and the outcome for Nigeria’s representative, Mr. Amaju Pinnick. With Nigeria’s executive positions in international and continental sports being crucial, Dr. Nnaji’s re-election would ensure continued Nigerian representation and influence in African Taekwondo.
When P.M.EXPRESS correspondent contacted the African Taekwondo Union Secretary General, Mr. Balla Dieye and called his office in Dakar, Senegal, the person who picked his call said that he traveled to Algeria for ANOCA elective General Assembly taking place in Algiers.
Another call to the African Teakwondo Union headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, someone spoke anonymously and declined to comment on the preparation for the election.
P.M.EXPRESS correspondent is still making efforts to reach the Director General National Sports Commission, Enugu State Governor, to speak to them concerning the election.
Dr Jonathan Nnaji could not be reached for comment on his preparation for the election because his known numbers were switched off.