Azania Omo-Agege Demands Probe into Nigeria Boxing Federation Crisis

Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Azania Omo-Agege, has called on the National Assembly to investigate the federation’s controversial affiliation with World Boxing, accusing former NBF president Kenneth Minimah of bypassing board approval and the sports ministry.

“Let them explain how they moved the NBF to an association supporting transgender athletes, violating our constitution, without proper consultation,” Omo-Agege said.

The crisis escalated after Minimah’s suspension by the International Boxing Association in 2023. Omo-Agege claimed the decision to join World Boxing lacked board approval and formal consent from the sports ministry, urging the National Assembly, the NSC, and the presidency to investigate.

Athletes have also expressed frustration over poor preparations for Paris 2024 qualifiers. “We lacked proper preparation and equipment,” said boxer Zainab Adeshina. Fellow boxer Ifeanyi Onyekwere added, “The one-week camp was stressful and inadequate.”

Technical Director Babatunde Laguda criticized past leadership for poor decisions, including controversial coaching appointments. Despite defenses from the current coaching staff, the ongoing turmoil has raised concerns about the future of Nigerian boxing.

Source: The PUNCH
By Peter Akinbo