THE Nigeria Army has emerged champions of the 1st Military and ParaMilitary Judo Championship in Abuja.
Nigeria Army won a total of 13 medals consisting of 11 gold and 2 silver medals, Nigeria Navy placed second position with 3 gold and 11 silver while Nigeria Police settled for third position with 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.
In the open weight category (male and female), Nigeria Army came first place, followed by Nigeria Navy in second position while Nigeria Police came third.
The President of Nigeria Judo Federation, Dr Musa Oshodi told www.aclsports.com that the military and paramilitary are critical stakeholders in combat sports in the country.
Oshodi revealed that the Federation will continue to partner with the military and provide platforms for their officers to represent the country.
When asked about the preparations ahead of the 13th African Games, Oshodi said the athletes are ready to make the country proud in Ghana.
He said, “This is the time I expect the elite Judokas to pay back to the system that made them and with the calibre of athletes we have in camp, they are ready and in top spirit to make Nigeria proud.
“I want to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for approving the sum of 28 athletes; this is the first time such an honour is extended to the Federation We currently have 35 judokas in camp who have been in Ibadan in the last three weeks before the commencement of the ministry camp; the athletes will be prune down soon.
“At the level of Olympics, the Federation is doing everything possible to attend some qualifiers and scale through. We will ensure the athlete makes it to the qualifiers. However, we are seeking the support of well-meaning Nigerians to support because the government cannot do it alone”.
He further said, “Under my watch, we have made the year busy and there will not be any free moment. The NJF has had two championships, one seminar and awareness programs. Before the mid-year, we are going to have a series of championships including the Nigeria Judo University Games, 1st Governor of Kano Championships amongst others will put the federation on the map”.
