Margaret Binga said that Sunday Dare had put "actions to his words" after Elizabeth Anyanacho booked her Olympic spot in the women's under-67 kilograms category.

Anyanacho came through the African qualifier in Morocco's capital Rabat, where two other Nigerian fighters grabbed bronze.

Dare's Sports Ministry announced last year that it would support 11 sports, including taekwondo, in their bids for Tokyo 2020 places.

He also intervened personally to ensure Nigeria could compete at the Fujairah Open, an important preparation event before the taekwondo qualifier in Rabat.

"Our team's participation at Fujairah really increased their confidence and gave the technical team the feedback they needed to tweak the team ahead of Morocco," said Binga. 

"I want to thank the Honourable Minister for putting actions to his words by supporting the team before and during the qualification.

"I want to thank the technical crew and the qualified athletes for making Nigeria proud. 

"At the start of our administration, we were clear that qualifying for Tokyo was one of the administration's objectives, and we gave a clear mandate for this and supported the technical director, Chika Chukwumerije, over the past three years. 

"So, we give glory to the almighty that it has come to pass.

"Elizabeth has once again cemented the impact females are making in Nigeria sports history, by becoming the first woman to qualify in 16 years so I am happy for her."