Musa Oshodi earns NJF vote of confidence after Glasgow 2026 medal

The Nigeria Judo Federation has passed a unanimous vote of confidence in its president, Dr. Musa Oshodi, following Enku Ekuta‘s historic bronze medal victory at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This decision reflects the board’s satisfaction with the current administrative direction of the sport in the country.

Members reached the resolution during the federation’s statutory board meeting on August 18. During this session, stakeholders specifically cited Dr. Oshodi’s leadership and the consistent progress observed in Nigerian judo under his tenure.

Ekuta secured the bronze medal in the women’s 63kg category in Glasgow, which ended a 24-year wait for a Commonwealth Games judo medal for Nigeria. Her performance demonstrated a significant leap forward for national athletes competing at this level.

The nation’s previous medal in the sport was secured at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, where Alice Livinus claimed bronze. This long gap between achievements highlights the significance of Ekuta’s recent success for the sporting community.

Ekuta’s achievement serves as an important milestone for Nigerian judo and provides a substantial boost for the federation’s ongoing efforts. The organization remains committed to developing athletes who are capable of competing successfully on the international stage, with plans to build upon the momentum generated by this podium finish.

Musa Oshodi leadership gets backing

The vote of confidence was moved by Omo Oba Segun Gbayi, the federation’s Vice-President 3 and Technical Director, and was supported unanimously by the board.

In an official communique, the Nigeria Judo Federation linked Enku Ekuta’s Commonwealth Games success to specific programmes introduced under the leadership of Dr. Musa Oshodi.

The federation highlighted the transparent Commonwealth Games trials held in Abuja, the implementation of improved training camps, and the provision of increased international exposure for competing athletes.

It also identified Nigeria’s performances at the African Judo Championships, where Ekuta secured gold in 2020 and silver in 2019, as clear evidence of progress made through the federation’s athlete-development initiatives.

The board described the Commonwealth Games medal as tangible evidence that the federation’s current strategic approach is producing consistent results on the international stage.

The board stated: “Dr. Musa Oshodi has repositioned Nigerian judo and taken it to enviable heights through purposeful leadership, accountability, and athlete-centred programmes. The Commonwealth medal is proof that our system is working.”

Building on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games breakthrough

While Enku Ekuta’s medal is an individual achievement, the Nigeria Judo Federation believes it can also serve as a foundation for further progress in the sport.

The federation has called for greater investment in grassroots development and athlete welfare, recognizing the importance of creating a stronger pathway for young judokas to progress to the international level.

Attention will now turn to future competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games, the African Games and other international events.

For the federation, the priority is to build on the momentum from Glasgow and ensure that Ekuta’s bronze medal is not an isolated success.

Dr. Musa Oshodi, responding to the vote of confidence, dedicated the Commonwealth Games medal to Nigerian judokas, coaches and stakeholders across the country.

He also pledged to consolidate the gains made under his administration and strengthen the position of judo among Nigeria’s consistent medal-winning sports.

Ekuta’s bronze medal has ended a long Commonwealth Games medal drought for Nigerian judo.

The next challenge for the federation is to turn that breakthrough into sustained success.

With continued investment in athlete development, improved preparation and greater international exposure, the federation hopes the Glasgow 2026 Games will become the starting point for a stronger future for Nigerian judo.

Source: Nigeria Judo Federation communique, as reported by The Nation.

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