By Tony Ubani

Team Nigeria erupted in rapturous celebration yesterday when Isa Mohammed Adam qualified for the London 2012 Olympics Taekwondo event in Cairo, Egypt.

Adam joins Beijing Olympics bronze medallist, Chika Chukwumerije as the flagbearers of Nigeria in the London Olympics(Taekwondo). Adam picked his ticket after beating his conqueror at the Maputo All Africa Games Tunisia’s Briki Wahid 9-5.

Adam said; “I am so excited making it to my second Olympic Games in London. I think the exposure we had in Korea coupled with the rigorous training really helped me a lot and I want to say that the new Korean coach, Fihwan Keum really brought a lot to the team. Winning my first fight against the South African was a sweet revenge for me because he actually defeated me in the second round of the 2007 All Africa Games in Algiers. Although, he fought well but I was on top of the fight.

In all the three fights, the semifinal tie against the Tunisian was the toughest for me because I did not know how to approach the fight but the Korean coach inspired me and this gave me lot of confidence in the fight and I thank Allah for making it possible for me.

It was a sweet revenge for him just the way Chukwumerije defeated the Ivoirien who beat him at the All Africa Games. Scretary of Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Chinedu Ezeala exclaimed on phone moments after his victory that “Adam has done it for Nigeria”. Her joy was palpable as she insisted that “these two guys will definitely fetch good medals for Nigeria at the Olympics”.

Nigeria sent three of her best fighters for the qualifiers and came out with two qualifying while the only lady in the train, Joy Ekhator failed by the way side. “These athletes will make us proud if we they prepare adequately for the Olympics”, Ezeala still basking in her joy said.

Another source of joy for the Nigerian contingent was the good news that Chika Chukwumerije who suffered a broken nose and was rushed to hospital had recovered. “Chika is out from hospital. He is good and we are indeed happy and grateful to God”.

Director General of the National Sports Commission and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Dr Patrick Ekeji and Engr Sani Ndanusa have also dispatched congratulatory messages to the Nigerian heroes. “Dr Ekeji called President of Nigerian Taekwondo Federation, Dr Jonathan Nnaji and felicitated with him over their heroics.

Engr Ndanusa said that their qualification was an indication that Team Nigeria would not complete the numbers in London as they would contest for medals.