NIGERIA'S medal hopeful in the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics, Chika Chukwumerije, has declared that it would have been a diasaster if he had not qualified for the Games after sustaining a nose injury in Egypt.

Chukwumerije, had in a sweet revenge, decisioned his conqueror, Zokou Saint Nom Firmin, at the World Taekwondo Federation-organised African qualifiers for the 2012 Olympics held last month in Cairo, Egypt with 14-9 points victory in the men's heavyweight (+80kg) category.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medallist in an interview in Lagos stated that he had since commenced training ahead of the quadrennial Games.

"I had a surgery after the injury and it went well. I am fully back to training now. Really, I'm so happy that I qualified for the London 2012 Olympics because If I had not qualified, with the fracture I sustained, I would have been having a lot of sleepless nights now. It was a very traumatic experience for me," the 2007 All Africa Games gold medallist said.

Chukwumerije noted that his qualification for the London 2012 Olympics was largely due to the support he received from those who believe in his ability.

"I said it that I wanted to qualify three years ago and I set the plan in motion to actualise my dream before it turned out this way. Today, I am even happier that I did not disappoint people who believe in me and the millions of Nigerians who follow my progress. It's a thing of joy," he said.

Chika, it will be recalled was dethroned as African champion at the last 10th All Africa Games, Maputo 2011 by Ivorien Zokou Firmin.

Meanwhile, President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Dr Jonathan Nnaji, has disclosed that Chika, has since commenced training ahead of the London Olympics alongside Isa Mohammed Adam, who conquered number one seed, Birki Wahid of Tunisia 8-5 to qualify in the men's -68kg category.

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