The Nigeria Boxing Federation is gearing up for early preparations for the upcoming 2028 Olympics after a disappointing performance in the Paris 2024 Games. The interim president of NBF, Azania Omo-Agege, has revealed plans to revive the Nigerian Boxing League as part of a comprehensive strategy to elevate the sport.
Omo-Agege emphasized the importance of providing consistent opportunities for boxers to compete, aiming to dispel the notion that most boxers come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The federation is determined to keep boxers in top shape, out of trouble, and consistently training by reinstating the Nigerian Boxing League.
The setbacks faced in Paris 2024, including a boxer’s disqualification for doping and another’s withdrawal due to injury, highlighted the need for better organization and training. Internal conflicts within the federation, such as leadership disputes and coaching changes, further disrupted the preparations for the Games.
Looking ahead, the NBF is focusing on robust early preparations to break Nigeria’s Olympic boxing medal drought that has persisted since 1996. By prioritizing participation in more competitions and leveraging the motivation of prize money from the International Boxing Association, the federation aims to position Nigerian boxers strongly for future international events, including the Olympics.