Abdoul Razak Issoufou claimed second spot on the podium in the men’s over 80 kilogram division to win his country’s second-ever Olympic medal, and their first since the Munich Games in 1972.

However, his success was a sombre affair as his cousin died practising the sport, although it has been put down to a tragic accident.

"My cousin died because of taekwondo,” said Issoufou.

“But I won this medal for my family to forget this, because taekwondo is not dangerous.

“He only died by accident.

“I want to show to all parents that their sons and daughters can practise taekwondo.

“Africans have a chance to take an Olympic medal through taekwondo."

Boxer Issake Dabore won Niger’s first Olympic medal in Munich, a bronze in the light-welterweight division.

"My objective was to bring a second medal to my country,” Issoufou said.

“This is for all the young guys who wanted me to bring this medal.

“The President called me and he told me he is very happy.

"I come from a poor country.

“If I win or lose, I don't care.

“But I put in my head that I need to win now, because I'm very young, only 21-years-old.

“I have at least two more Olympic Games to improve."

Africa enjoyed a fantastic taekwondo tournament in Rio, winning five medals.

This included gold for Ivory Coast’s Cheick Sallah Cissé in the men’s 80kg division.

Issoufou missed out in his final against Radik Isayev of Azerbaijan.

"We young Africans were able to prove that we are capable of doing something nobody believed in,” he said.

“We got five medals, that is really great."