Lagos – Tochukwu Ayakora, a taekwondo coach, has tasked the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) to take advantage of its membership of the Africa Taekwondo Union (ATU) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) to expose its stakeholders.

Ayakora said on Tuesday in Lagos that Nigeria has not adequately benefited from training and competitions organised by the ATU and the WFT.

He said necessary steps must be taken by the NTF to give its technical officials and athletes’ opportunities for exposure by attending international training and competitions.

“The national body must reach out to foreign clubs and affiliated bodies to enable our technical officials undergo training and our athletes to take part in international competitions for appropriate exposure.

“Such steps will reduce the fire brigade approach and dependence on government in preparations for major international competitions.
“It is also a good way of exposing them and building their confidence.

“This is important because the athletes and coaches require regular training and competitions, to serve as part of follow ups to enhance their performance.
“It will help to identity their areas of deficiencies, ahead of major competitions,’’ he said.

The coach said that, “it is only when the athletes pass through adequate training and exposure under seasoned coaches that they can be abreast with modern fight techniques.

“Athletes must be provided a platform to build their confidence and do away with stage fright, which is responsible for the dismal performances of our athletes in major competitions.

“It takes a lot of time and procedures to properly get athletes psychologically and technically ready for any competition,’’ Ayakora said.
He noted that other countries that take advantage of collaboration with affiliated bodies have been benefitting from various training programmes. (NAN