The Board of the Nigeria Judo Federation, NJF, has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on its President, Dr. Musa Oshodi, in recognition of his visionary leadership and the transformation of the sport in Nigeria.
The resolution was adopted on Monday, August 18, 2026, during the Board’s statutory meeting held online. The motion was moved by Omo Oba Segun Gbayi, the Federation’s vice-president 3 / Technical director.
The vote comes on the heels of Enku Ekuta’s bronze medal win in the Women’s -63kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Ekuta’s podium finish ended a 24-year medal drought for Nigerian Judo at the Commonwealth Games, with the last medal won by Alice Livinus in Manchester 2002.
In a communique signed by the Board members noted that the recent success is a direct outcome of deliberate policies and programs instituted under Dr. Oshodi’s administration.
The Board specifically highlighted:
1. Grassroots Development: The conduct of transparent Commonwealth Games trials in Abuja which produced Ekuta and other qualifiers
2. Athlete Preparation and Welfare: Improved training camps, international exposure, and support systems that enabled Nigerian judokas to compete competitively
3. Continental Dominance: Consistent medal-winning performances at the African Judo Championships, including Ekuta’s Gold in 2020 and Silver in 2019
“Dr. Oshodi has repositioned Nigerian Judo and taken it to enviable heights through purposeful leadership, accountability, and athlete-centered programs. The Commonwealth medal is proof that our system is working,” the Board stated.
The Board described Ekuta’s achievement as “symbolic” and a major boost for the sport, adding that it should inspire greater investment in grassroots development and athlete welfare nationwide.
The NJF reaffirmed its commitment to building on this momentum ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, African Games, and other international engagements.
Dr. Oshodi, while thanking the Board for the vote of confidence, dedicated the Commonwealth medal to Nigerian judokas, coaches, and stakeholders across the country. He pledged to consolidate on the gains and ensure Judo becomes one of Nigeria’s consistent medal-winning sports.