Edo wins first Governor Otti National Judo Championship in Umuahia

Edo State finished top of the medals table at the first Governor Alex Otti National Senior Judo Championship, which ended on Wednesday at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State.

The Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) organised the three-day event with the Abia State Government. More than 250 judokas from 15 states and five clubs took part.

Edo won four gold, three silver and four bronze medals. Akwa Ibom also took four gold, but had to settle for second place because it won fewer silver and bronze medals — two silver and three bronze.

Rivers State came third with two gold, one silver and one bronze. Enugu was fourth with one gold, one silver and three bronze, while host state Abia completed the top five with one gold, one silver and two bronze.

States at the championship included Bayelsa, Ogun, Delta, Benue, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Osun and Kwara.

Cash prizes for medallists

The best three judokas in each weight category received ₦250,000, ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively. For young athletes hoping to build a career in the sport, that money and the exposure could matter as much as the medals.

Sule Musa, the NJF's Acting Technical Director, thanked Abia State for hosting and praised the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, and the International Judo Federation (IJF) for their support.

Musa said the tournament helped uncover new talent and gave athletes the competition they need to improve.

“A lot of promising judokas have been discovered through this championship,” he said.

He said Nigerian judokas can hold their own against North African opponents if they get enough opportunities, proper preparation, institutional backing and good leadership.

Musa also said the federation plans a long-term plan for the sport, covering grassroots development, talent spotting, coach and referee training, better technical standards and international exposure.

“The future of Nigerian judo is promising,” he said, adding that the sport can grow with the right leadership, commitment and investment.

What happens next

The NJF says it will set out that development plan, with attention on grassroots programmes and training for coaches and referees. The athletes who impressed in Umuahia will be the first test of whether the championship becomes a regular stepping stone to international competition.