Rotimi Okeniyi, a former NUGA Games champion and an accounting graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), is a fervent advocate for martial arts. His dedication to judo and Sambo has not waned, even after relocating to the UK, where he now serves as a judo instructor at the University of Manchester.
Despite his success abroad, Okeniyi’s heart remains with Nigeria, prompting him to initiate a three-day tournament in Osun State. This event is more than a competition; it’s a beacon of hope, aiming to ignite a passion for judo and Sambo among Nigerian athletes and inspire them to reach for the stars at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Okeniyi’s journey in martial arts began in the early ’90s in Kaduna, Nigeria, under the tutelage of Sensei Umar Musa in Zaria.
His prowess in the sport led him to represent ABU Zaria at the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), where he won medals, and to compete for Delta and Rivers States at the National Sports Festival.
His quest for martial arts excellence took him to Ghana, where he added to his accolades with a gold medal at the Africa Championships, before ultimately settling in the UK.
There, he embraced Sambo, becoming a three-time British champion and contributing to the Nigerian team’s coaching efforts at major tournaments, including the 2023 African Games in Ghana.
The decision to stage a national tournament in Nigeria stems from Okeniyi’s desire to popularise the sport and provide athletes with the necessary equipment and facilities to excel.
His initiative is not driven by financial gain but by a mission to equip athletes with cutting-edge techniques and resources.
The tournament promises to offer free transportation, accommodation, and meals for participants, reflecting Okeniyi’s commitment to nurturing talent and his ambition to see Nigeria represented at the Olympic Games after a prolonged absence.
Okeniyi’s efforts represent a significant stride towards elevating martial arts in Nigeria and establishing a legacy that could see the nation shine at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
His story is a testament to the power of passion and the impact one individual can have on the future of sports in a country.