As the race for medals look increasingly challenging and Team Nigeria certain of returning home empty-handed, 2008 Beijing bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije will seek to salvage the situation today when he fight Cuba’s Roberlis Despaigne in the men 68+kg in the taekwondo event.
Nigeria other representative in the event, Isah Muhammed was knocked out on Wednesday by Jordan Abulibdeh Muhammed. He lost 13-1 in a fight that his opponent earned 12 points by attack to his 0. Onus now lies on experience Chika Chukwumerije, who is the leader of the team to resuscitate Nigeria dream for a medal in London Olympics, come to a climax tomorrow.
Chukwumerije would begin his quest against the fourth seeded Cuban, who is the 2011 World University Championship champion at the EXCEL South Arena 1 of the Olympic Stadium, said in his respond to minister of sports, Bolaji Abdullahi disappointment over Team Nigeria’s performance that the athletes remained focused and would do their best to win medals.
“We must believe in our heart what we want to achieve. By August 12, Team Nigeria will have a lot to cheer about,” the Beijing Olympics bronze medalist said.