President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Abdullahi Saidu Passes Away

President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Abdullahi Saidu Passes Away

  • President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) Abdullahi Saidu has been pronounced dead this morning
  • He was elected President of the NTF in October 2021 after defeating Margaret Binga in the federation's elections
  • Saidu led a Taekwondo delegation to the 2023 African Games and represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2024 Olympics

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Abdullahi Saidu, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

The 53-year-old was pronounced dead at 3 am after being rushed to the hospital following a prolonged illness.

His death has left the Taekwondo community in Nigeria in deep mourning.

Nigeria's taekwondo boss Abdullahi Saidu passed away on April 1, 2025.
President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Abdullahi Saidu is dead. Photo by: Saidu Abdullahi/Facebook.
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria taekwondo boss Saidu is no more

The family of Abdullahi Saidu has announced the death of the President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

Legt.ng gathered that he was rushed to the hospital in the early hours of April 1 after experiencing complications.

The Chairman of Kebbi State Taekwondo Association had been battling an unknown illness for several years, but despite his health challenges, he continued to promote the sport passionately.

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He was voted President of NTF in 2021 after defeating the incumbent Margaret Binga in a one-sided election held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja per Blueprint.

President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Abdullahi Saidu has passed away.
President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Abdullahi Saidu passes away in Kebbi. Photo by: Saidu Abdullahi/Facebook.
Source: Facebook

Tributes pour in for late Abdullahi Saidu

The Taekwondo community in Nigeria and West Africa is in mourning following the death of the sports philanthropist and the head of taekwondo in the country.

African Games bronze medallist in the martial art, Bright Kolade described the late Saidu as someone who lived a life of giving and sacrifice. Kolade told Legit.ng:

"I am in shock right now because GM Abdullahi Saidu was like a father to me. When things were tough, he took me in like a son and gave me the encouragement I needed.
"He had big plans for me, especially since I train children in Kebbi State who have won junior championships in the country. His dream was for Taekwondo to not only dominate West Africa but Africa as a whole.

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"Late Saidu always put people ahead of himself and made significant investments in Taekwondo since becoming President."

Gideon Emmanuel Idoko said:

"This is so sad, may God grant him eternal rest."

Agbozo Kwame Augustus wrote:

"Oh no, condolences to the entire NTF."

Saddiq Abdul added:

"Innalillahi wa inna iaihi raji'un. May Almighty Allah forgive his short comings and grant him jannatul Firdaus."

Uwa Chichi Confidence said:

"OH 😭😭😭😭😭 is this for Real, what a great Loss. May ur soul rest in peace 🕊️ Great man."

Nigerian boxer dies after collapsing in Ghana fight

Legit.ng earlier reported that Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, a former West African light-heavyweight boxing champion passed away after collapsing during a bout in Ghana on March 29.

Olanrewaju lost consciousness while in action against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena.

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Nigerian boxer Segun 'Success' Olanrewaju dies after collapsing in Ghana fight

It was gathered that 'Success' had put up an impressive start to the bout and was ahead on points before the tragic event unfolded, with his passing subject to an official autopsy.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dare Kuti avatar

Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.