Mali, Gabon, Togo and Congo Brazzaville have joined the league of foreign nations confirmed for the second Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Open holding next month in Abuja.

The four nations have improved the list of foreign teams expected to participate in the two-day tournament.

13 athletes will hoist the flag of Mali, while Congo Brazzaville’s has Roland Didanga competing in the men’s -80kg category.

From the list of teams made available, aside the seven countries, 24 states, five universities, seven clubs, three paramilitary, Nigeria Police and 23 individuals made up of 169 athletes have so far registered for the tournament.

The 281 athletes are made up of 195 male and 86 female while entries are still expected this week from participants.

According to the organisers, over 34 athletes are expected from neighbouring nations as the competition continues to gain more status across the continent and globe.

With the arrival of new equipment to be used and distributed to the participants, the organisers are planning a colourful tournament this year.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Founder of CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, the tournament would surely help Nigerian athletes to be at par with their foreign counterparts considering the quality of equipment to be “The quality of programmes our Nigerian athletes attend determine in the long run the quality of medals we should expect from them on the global scene. Development should not have cheap price tag.

That is why so much investment has gone into ensuring the tournament is pure quality in every way – both in terms of participation and organisation. A lot of work has gone in to ensure sheer entertainment is mixed with sports and also to ensure everyone that comes enjoys the entertainment on offer tremendously,” he said.