Sports
Nwankpa Urges New Direction For Boxing
Head Coach of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Obisia Nwankpa, has called for proactive measures that will uplift the game of boxing in the country.
Nwankpa made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that if Nigeria was to win laurels from the game any time soon, boxing administrators in the country must take deliberate steps to improve the sport.
He decried what he called the “slow pace of preparation of Team Nigeria for the London 2012 Olympic Games saying the administrators were to blame.
Nwankpa, a Gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in 1974, expressed dismay at the exclusion of former boxers in the administration of the sport in Nigeria.
He said the absence of professionals in the administration of the sport in the country was responsible for the regression recorded in sport.
“They say “a nation without elderly ones is a nation without progress.
“So boxing is going down because those who made boxing what it is are not honoured and they feel dishonoured. Most of those who suffered – the legends of all these games – are being rejected.
“And now they play politics with the game; they bring people from abroad; they want to ruin boxing; that is what is happening to boxing.’’
Nwankpa cautioned against the politicisation of the administration of boxing, saying appointments to various coaching positions should be on merit.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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