The 11th Edition of the Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship has come to a powerful close, celebrating skill, discipline and the growing influence of women in karate across Nigeria and beyond. Held from October 23–26, 2025, the prestigious all-female tournament once again showcased top-tier performances from state teams and karate clubs, reaffirming its place as the most recognized female-only karate event in the country.
WSKF dominated the medal table, clinching the overall top spot with a remarkable 7 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze, totaling 12 medals. Their consistent display of technical finesse and combat strategy set the tone for the Championship.
Not far behind, Delta State secured 5 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze, bringing their tally to 9 medals. The State continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to nurturing young female karatekas.
Bayelsa State and Lagos State each accumulated the highest total medal count, 13 medals each, though with fewer gold medals. Their broad base of podium finishes highlighted depth in talent and promising future prospects.
Other standout performances came from:
- Stratabase Karate Team – 2 gold
- Dojocraft Academy – 4 medals including 1 gold
- Waza Shotokan Karate-Do Club – 6 medals including 1 gold
- Shine On Karate, Delta – 3 medals including 1 gold
The Championship also saw emerging clubs such as Karate Focus – NASK, Zen Budo Karate and Supreme Shotokan International Karate Academy leaving their mark on the medal table.
Why This Event Matters
More than just a tournament, the Zainab Saleh International Female Open Karate Championship has become a powerful movement, one that empowers girls and women through karate, fostering discipline, confidence, leadership and resilience. Beyond the medals, it provides a platform for women to discover strength in unity, mastery and self-belief.
Importantly, it also serves as a vehicle for encouraging female participation in self-defense and martial arts, equipping women and girls with practical tools to protect themselves and confront issues such as gender-based violence, domestic abuse and rape. Through karate, they learn not only physical techniques but also the mental fortitude and assertiveness needed to stand up against violence and inequality.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament continues to expand in scope and impact, it remains a beacon for gender inclusivity and empowerment in sports. With strong performances from across the nation and growing international recognition, the future of female karate in Nigeria shines brighter than ever.
Special recognition goes to the Tournament Director, Mr. Segun Akinola, whose unwavering dedication, professionalism and pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in elevating the Championship to world-class standards. His commitment to maintaining fairness, organization and the highest technical quality has ensured that each edition continues to raise the bar for women’s karate in Africa.
Congratulations to all participants, coaches, referees, officials and supporters for making the 11th Edition a resounding success and for continuing to champion the power of women through sport.
