Elizabeth Anyanacho Bags Bronze in Riyadh, Vows “Just Getting Started”

Nigeria’s Elizabeth Anyanacho has added another medal to her growing collection, winning bronze in the women’s under-70kg taekwondo event at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.

The 26-year-old, who recently ended a 20-year medal drought for Nigeria with a World Championship bronze in China, emphasized that this is only the beginning of her journey. “I’m just getting started. It’s the grace of God that helps me to consistently win medals,” Anyanacho said when reflecting on her rising career.

Entering the tournament as one of Nigeria’s top medal prospects, Anyanacho started strong with a 2–0 quarterfinal victory over Iainne Taju at Malaz Combat Hall, advancing to the semifinals. Her hopes for gold were narrowly dashed in a 2–1 defeat to Iran’s Yalda Valinejad, but she bounced back in the bronze medal match, defeating Sara Jallab 2–0 to secure Nigeria’s fourth bronze of the Games.

Uzbekistan’s Ozoda Sobirjonova claimed gold after edging out Valinejad 2–1 in the final, while Turkey’s Sila Gençer took the other bronze with a 2–0 win over Dunya Saber.

Anyanacho’s success contributes to Nigeria’s growing medal tally as the nation gears up for track and field events starting Monday, followed by para sports, with expectations high for a strong overall performance.

Born on April 9, 1999, Anyanacho has consistently broken barriers in her career. She earned bronze at the 2019 African Games, stunned the continent at the Nigeria Open in Abuja, and became the first Nigerian woman in 16 years to qualify for the Olympics in taekwondo at the 2020 Games, following Princess Dudu. She then captured African Games gold in Ghana in 2024.