Team Nigeria has departed the country for Cairo, Egypt, where they will compete in the highly anticipated World Karate Championship scheduled for Thursday, November 27–30, 2025. The delegation left on Monday afternoon, carrying the hopes and support of an expectant nation.

 

Nigeria will be proudly represented by five exceptional athletes who have demonstrated unwavering dedication, discipline, and competitive excellence in their quest for global glory. The athletes include:

• Loveth Ngozi Okoro – Kumite -50kg

• Godfirst Orie Ukoha-Sampson – Kumite -55kg

• Constance Tamunodiepreye Abode – Kumite -61kg

• Ujunwa Caroline Nwankwo – Kumite +68kg

• Oluwaseun Olorunbe – Kumite – Male Kata

 

These athletes have undergone rigorous training in preparation for the championship and are poised to deliver outstanding performances on the world stage. They will be guided by head coach Efezino Akpotu, while Olusegun Abode serves as the leader of the delegation.

 

Of particular interest are four of Nigeria’s top female karatekas—Ngozi, Godfirst, Constance, and Ujunwa—who have consistently excelled at the annual Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship. The competition, founded by Hajiya Zainab Saleh, a Board Member of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), has been instrumental in empowering and elevating female karate athletes across the country.

 

As the championship approaches, the Board of the Karate Federation of Nigeria has extended its best wishes to Team Nigeria. The Board also appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for financial assistance to help offset debts incurred in ensuring Nigeria’s participation at the global event. The World Championship, the federation noted, falls under the purview of the NSC.

 

With spirits high and preparations complete, Team Nigeria heads to Cairo determined to make the nation proud.