Poor Planning Delays Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament, 483 Athletes Stranded In Abuja

The 5th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament in Abuja has been thrown into disarray after organisers failed to adequately address venue and logistical challenges, forcing a one-day postponement of the competition proper.
The championship, scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, could not get underway as planned, with the first competitive events now moved to Friday.
The delay has left 483 athletes from 18 states waiting in Abuja after organisers were unable to resolve issues surrounding the venue ahead of the scheduled opening.
Technical Director of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Mr Dave Jegede, confirmed ...