Nigeria Boxing Federation Petitions Government Over Alleged Unauthorized Affiliation with WB

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has lodged official complaints with both the Ministry of Defence and the National Assembly’s House Committee on Public Petitions over an alleged unauthorized affiliation with the World Boxing (WB).

In letters signed by Interim NBF President Azania Omo-Agege, the federation accuses former president Kenneth Minimah and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Habu Gumel of illegally aligning Nigerian boxing with the WB, a body that supports transgender athletes. The NBF insists this was done without due process and violates Nigeria’s sports governance and legal framework.

Key Concerns Raised by the NBF

• Unauthorized Affiliation – The NBF rejects WB’s transgender policies, arguing that allowing biological males who transitioned to female to compete against biological women creates unfair competition.
• Violation of National Laws – The federation cites President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive against homosexuality, cross-dressing, and related activities in the military, warning that many Nigerian boxers serve in the armed forces.
• Planned Visit of WB President – The NBF opposes the invitation of WB President Boris Vandervorst to Nigeria by NOC leadership, calling it an attempt to enforce transgender policies in Nigerian sports.

The NBF Urges the National Assembly to:

🔹 Summon Habu Gumel (NOC President) to explain his role in the WB affiliation.
🔹 Summon Kenneth Minimah (former NBF President) to justify transitioning Nigeria’s boxing governance.
🔹 Block Boris Vandervorst’s visit unless he addresses the National Assembly.

The NBF insists on protecting the integrity of Nigerian boxing and ensuring fair competition for female athletes. The government’s response is expected to shape the future of Nigerian boxing and its international affiliations.