The Senegalese capital hosted the Dakar International Open fights from November 21 to 24 coupled with the international test for continental and international referees. An event included in the agenda of the African Judo Union (UAJ) and which brought together several nations from the continent. Regarding Niger, the delegation traveled from Dakar by bus, according to a delegation official who requested anonymity..
The Niamey-Dakar distance is at least 2,672 km. Never seen or heard of in the history of Nigerien sport. How should we let these young crusader fighters face all the possible risks they can endure? Why didn’t they take a commercial flight? The debate remains open. Despite the fatigue of this long journey like Christopher Columbus, our judokas really performed very well on the tatami mats in Dakar, valiantly defending the national colors.
Thus our valiant fighters gleaned four (4) medals including two (2) in silver and 2 in bronze. In silver, it is Abdoul Salam Zakaye (- 60 kgs junior) after a tough fight in the final against the Romanian Tudor Mosoi. The 2th Silver medalist is Abdoul Aziz Djibo (- 55 kgs cadets) beaten in the final by the Senegalese Seydou Bakary Djimera.
Two bronze medals for Niger with Moussa Yahaya (- 60 kgs seniors) and Abdou Kader Boubacar. These young Nigerien judokas who certainly braved the cold and rain of the coasts deserve all the recognition of Nigeriens. Because moving in such conditions, you really need to have a heart of steel. And despite everything, they did it.
Another harvest brought back from Dakar, two of our Tatami Tigresses have just obtained their parchment, thus becoming new international referees following the continental and international referee test organized by the UAJ. These are Nafissatou Noura and Rakiatou Mounkaila . Congratulations to these two new ladies referees but also to FENIJUDO and its Vice-President Me Youssouf Abdourahamane who spares no effort to make this discipline prosper internationally.
Oussou Falalou
The Other Republican from Thursday November 28, 2024
