The Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) has announced that Nigeria will be represented at the Africa Judo Championship scheduled to hold from April 25 to 28 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The NJF president, Musa Oshodi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos.

According to Mr Oshodi, the federation has begun early preparations as part of its efforts to secure qualification for the next Olympic Games.

“In our quest to present a team at the next Olympic Games, we have decided to start preparations early.

“Participating in the Africa Judo Championship is one of the most strategic steps toward achieving that goal,” Mr Oshodi said.

He added that a team of 12 athletes and four officials were currently in camp at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, ahead of the championship.

According to him, the team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on April 22 and return on April 29.

“I am therefore using this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians, sports philanthropists, and corporate and social organizations to support this important project,” he appealed.

Mr Oshodi also revealed that the federation had concluded plans to organise a refereeing seminar from April 30 to May 4, scheduled to hold at two centres.

“The Northern conference will be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, while the Southern conference will take place at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,” he said.

He emphasised that the seminar was aimed at keeping referees and coaches up to date with global officiating standards in judo.

“This effort will go a long way in keeping our referees and coaches abreast of current officiating trends.

“The seminar is mandatory and will serve as a platform to re-assess and re-evaluate them, ensuring their continued involvement in the Federation’s activities,” Mr Oshodi added. 

(NAN)