By Ben Efe 28.10.2025 
Nigerian taekwondo star Elizabeth Anyanacho reached the medal zone of the ongoing World Taekwondo Championships in Wuxi, China and kissed a bronze.
It is the first time in 20 years a Nigerian would be winning a medal at the world level.
Anyanacho the 2023 African Games champion, beat Uzbekistan’s Sobibronova Osipova the 2024 Olympic silver medalist Paris 2024 Olympics and 2022 World Taekwondo Championship gold medalist in 8-6, 10-9 after two thrilling rounds in the 67kg medal zone.
It was a remarkable feat for the 26-year-old Anayancho who missed out the medal zone at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Newly elected Nigeria Taekwando Federation president, Tayo Popoola, expressed delight over Anyanacho’s feat.
“I have been following the championship closely and I’m overjoyed with Elizabeth’s progress. She has shown great dedication over the years, and this result proves that Nigeria is returning to the global Taekwondo stage,” Popoola said.
In the final of the 67kg event, Hungary’s 19-year-old Luana Marton won her second world title at beating Brazil’s Milena Titoneli 2-0.
Marton took the opening round 8-1 with an aggressive attacking display. In the second round, she used her close-range advantage to maintain control and held her lead to the end, sealing a 2-0 victory and the gold medal.
Anyanacho and Spain’s Lena Moreno Reyes shared the bronze medals.
Elizabeth Anyanacho...kicking