NIGERIAN DIASPORA ATHLETES UPDATE:

UK-based Jordan Osanrenren Joel flew the Nigerian flag high at the British International Taekwondo Open last weekend. The British International Open is a globally ranked event that affords athletes the opportunity to get world ranking points and boost qualification towards competitions such as the world championships and Olympics.

Jordan competed in the heavyweight division (+87kg). He featured in three fights from the quarterfinals to the finals.

There were 142 senior teams at the competition and Jordan’s victory moved Team Nigeria to 10th on the log.

Jordan believes this success should propel him to even greater exploits.

His words, “Well, I am grateful to God and my team for the win. It has shown me to continue to have faith and trust the process, keep showing up and keep putting my best foot forward regardless of the challenges. I would also like to say a big thank you to God, my wife, my training team, my family and friends. I wouldn’t have been able to come as far as I have without the love and support from others.

“I want to do my best for my country and this has shown me that I can win gold, so I want to continue to win more for Nigeria.I have a few other globally ranked international competitions lined up this year, so I’m focused on doing my best at those competitions and climbing up the world rankings.”

He shares his thoughts on being a diasporan athlete.

“Being a Diaspora athlete allows me to stay connected to my country. It means a lot. It means a lot also to see how much representing my nation brings joy to my family. I’m a Naija boy and I always will be. It’s an honour to fly the flag around the world”, he said.

He commended the National Sports Commission for setting up the Diaspora Talents Development Committee.

“I believe the Diasporan initiative is a strong one that can unite a lot of Nigerians across the world who want to represent the country but are not sure how to do so or need support. It’s a powerful initiative that will also unite diasporan athletes with grassroot athletes. We all have the same goal which is to see Nigerian sports flourish on a global scale and this initiative can help make that happen”, he enthused.

Signed

Clement Nwankpa Jr
Media Officer
1/5/26