NBF plans early preparations for 2028 Olympics

The Nigeria Boxing Federation has announced plans for early preparations ahead of the 2028 Olympics following the country’s disappointing outing at the Paris 2024 Games, The PUNCH reports.

NBF Interim President Azania Omo-Agege revealed that the federation would revive the Nigerian Boxing League as part of its long-term strategy to develop the sport.

“There is a perception that most of our boxers are from the streets. We are working to change that, and we need constant competition to do that,” Omo-Agege told The PUNCH.

 Nigeria endured a disastrous boxing campaign in Paris, where their last hope Adam Olaore crashed out in the round of 16 of the men’s 92kg heavyweight category.

The situation was compounded by Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s doping-related disqualification and Dolapo Omole’s injury withdrawal.

 “I want to come back with the Nigerian Boxing League we started before, and that will definitely keep our boxers in shape, take them out of trouble and make sure they train all the time,” Omo-Agege added.

The federation’s preparations for Paris 2024 were marred by internal conflicts, including a leadership tussle between Omo-Agege and former president Kenneth Minimah, which affected the coaching setup.

Experienced coach Tony Konyegwachie was controversially replaced by Adura Olalehin for the Olympics.

 The Technical Director of the NBF, Babatunde Laguda, questioned Olalehin’s credentials, stating, “He does not even have a training gym where he trains boxers.”

 The inadequate preparation was evident as boxers complained of insufficient training time. Ifeanyi Onyekwere had lamented, “The preparation was very bad. It was just a one-week camp, with a lot of stress.”

 Omo-Agege believes the introduction of prize money from the International Boxing Association will motivate boxers saying, “Since there is prize money now from the International Boxing Association, the boxers will be encouraged to fight where they can actually earn a living.”

 The NBF’s new focus on early preparations aims to end Nigeria’s Olympic boxing medal drought, which has stretched since Duncan Dokiwari’s bronze in the super heavyweight division at Atlanta ‘96.

 “When we attend more competitions, it will put us in a good position to go out for international games where we can prepare ourselves for the Olympics,” Omo-Agege concluded.