Nigerian Acquires International Judo Refereeing Certificate In Senegal

Nigerian Acquires International Judo Refereeing Certificate In Senegal

Precious Oham

Mrs. Esther Ashema Obile from Nasarawa State has successfully bagged a certificate after participating in the International Judo Federation International Retraining, International Referee License Exam in Dakar, Senegal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

A sole representative from Nigeria, the 29-year-old Judo Coach and Referee rose through the Nasarawa State Judo Association under the tutelage of Coach Bashir Bassey to national stardom, where she is making a positive impact before being picked as the only Nigerian for the Africa Judo Union Certificate 'A' Course.

Esther scored a total of 176 points to qualify for the issuance of the certificate which involves rigorous evaluations.

By obtaining the prestigious certificate, the Nasarawa State-born Judo referee hence qualifies to officiate at the African Junior and Cadet Judo Championship held from 22nd-25th November 2024 in Dakar, Senegal, and other major Judo Championships in Africa.

While expressing her gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Nasarawa State Government for facilitating her participation in the programme, she said attending the exam was an honour and a challenge, promising her determination to make Nasarawa State and Nigeria proud.

 "I want to appreciate my father and leader of our dear State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the Nasarawa State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, for another wonderful opportunity given to me to represent the State and Nigeria at the International Judo Referee Promotion Exam in Dakar, Senegal, and to participate in the Junior and Cadet Africa Open Judo Championship.

 "I also appreciate the leadership of the Nigeria Judo Federation for availing me this historic opportunity to represent the Federation and Country in this prestigious programme.

"It's a wonderful experience for me here, and I believe when I come back to Nigeria, I will impact a lot in the sport for the betterment of my State and Country.

"I will do my best to be the eye of Nigeria Judo Federation in any African Competition, and to be an eye for Nasarawa State in all national competitions."