Winning gold for Nigeria means everything to me — African champion Usman

African Taekwondo champion Harun Usman speaks about his journey into taekwondo, becoming Africa’s best Poomsae athlete, overcoming financial challenges, his Olympic dream and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

How did taekwondo start for you?

I started taekwondo in school simply to fill my free time, stay fit and learn self-defence. While many of my peers were drawn to football, I was always attracted to things that stood out. Taekwondo gave me that feeling. It is a martial art rooted in tradition, discipline and dedication. What started as curiosity gradually grew into a passion that I cannot imagine my life without.

Did your parents support your decision?

I have been truly blessed in that regard. My parents have supported almost everything I have chosen to do and taekwondo was no different. Having that support at home gave me a solid foundation to pursue this journey with confidence.

Was taekwondo difficult in the beginning?

Honestly, the passion I had from day one made the difficulties seem insignificant. I was almost addicted from the start. After every session, I was already looking forward to the next one before I had even left the mat. When you love something that deeply, the challenges do not feel like obstacles. They become part of the journey.

Have you ever thought about quitting?

Only once, very early in my career after a poor sparring session. But that feeling did not survive the night. By the next morning, I was excited to get back on the mat. That told me everything I needed to know about how deeply taekwondo had already become a part of me.

What has been the happiest moment of your career?

Without question, it is this moment. Becoming African champion and receiving the MVP award at the African Taekwondo Championships in Mali. It is the culmination of years of sacrifice, self-funding and believing in a dream that many people around me did not fully understand. This is a moment I will always look back on with pride.

What does winning gold for Nigeria mean to you and do you see yourself as a role model?

Winning gold for Nigeria means everything to me. I compete in Poomsae, a discipline that involves precise taekwondo forms requiring technical mastery and artistry. It is a discipline that has not received the attention it deserves in Nigeria. This gold is not just my personal victory. It is a victory for Poomsae in Nigerian taekwondo and a symbol of hope for every young athlete who dreams of becoming a champion. If my journey inspires even one young Nigerian to believe that this path is possible, then I fully embrace the responsibility of being a role model.

You are now an African champion. What does that title signify to you?

It signifies that sacrifice is never wasted. I have self-funded championships and organised fundraisers just to compete internationally. There were moments when the system did not show up for me, but I showed up for Nigeria anyway. Being African champion tells me that belief and dedication will always find a way. It also raises the standards I set for myself. This title comes with a responsibility to perform, inspire and help elevate Nigerian taekwondo.

What does competing at the African Taekwondo Championships mean to you?

It means representing something bigger than myself. Every time I step onto the mat for Nigeria, I feel the weight and honour of that responsibility. The African Championships is a major platform and to not only compete but win gold and be named MVP on that stage is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Do you dream of competing at the Olympics?

Absolutely. The Olympics is the ultimate stage for any athlete and I am no different. It is a dream I work towards every single day on the mat.

What do you hope to achieve if you qualify?

I hope to become a world champion and use that platform to create a clear pathway for young Nigerians who dream of becoming Poomsae champions. I want to show that Nigeria can compete and win at the highest levels of this discipline. The next generation deserves to see that it is possible.

What are the biggest challenges you face?

Funding and sponsorship remain my biggest challenges. I self-sponsored my trip to the African Championships in Rwanda in 2022. At another point, I had to organise a fundraiser just to attend an international competition. Those experiences were humbling, but they also strengthened me. I am grateful that the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation sponsored this championship in Mali, but bigger tournaments such as the World Championships later this year will be even more demanding financially. I hope this gold medal and MVP award open doors to sponsorship opportunities so that I can focus entirely on competing and winning for Nigeria.

What is your ultimate goal in taekwondo?

To be the best in the world and inspire the next generation. Those two goals are connected. Winning at the highest level gives me the platform to reach back and help others achieve their dreams.

Which country has been your favourite to compete in?

For now, I would say Rwanda. I had always wanted to visit the country and the African Championships gave me that opportunity. It is a beautiful, organised and inspiring nation. Competing there was a memorable experience beyond the sport itself.

Do you see yourself becoming a coach in the future?

I already have. Two of my younger sisters recently became national champions at the National Sports Festival. I have also organised several training camps where young athletes developed and went on to win championships themselves. Coaching is already part of who I am. After everything I have learned and experienced in this sport, I find great fulfilment in passing that knowledge on to the next generation. That will always be part of my journey.