Sports
Boxing Talents Discovery Excites Sponsor
No fewer than 20 ama
teur boxers participated in the 54th edition of the monthly Lagos Boxing Show at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre (Rowe Park), Yaba, which was witnessed by large spectators.
The championship, organised by the Boxing Hall of Fame (LSBHF), is a talent hunt programme at the grassroots.
It is sponsored by Mr Olawale Edun, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance and currently, the Chairman, LSBHF.
Edun told newsmen at the event that the competition was a good platform for young boxers to showcase their talents and also help them to develop their skills.
“It is also to prepare them for future challenges in boxing.
“Talents discovered will be trained and encouraged to take to professional boxing.’’
The chairman announced the postponement of the 55th edition scheduled for last Saturday in July because of Ramadan.
Edun said:“I am happy for our young stars and I demand for more support from the communities, various organisations including the youth department of our local governments.
“I thank Governor Babatunde Fashola for his support, consistency and sustainability of this championship since its inception.
“We are using this edition to greet all our Muslim brothers, Ramadan Kareem.’’
Mrs Patricia Gbadegesin, the Principal, Army Cantonment Secondary School, Ikeja, advised the boxers to be focused and also face their educational pursuit.
“Education will help them to make progress faster.
“Athletes with boxing skills should combine the sport with education because it will help them to go places,” she said.
One of the athletes, Elizabeth Oshoba, said that tactics deployed, her height and the training she received gave her victory over her opponent, and promised to improve on them.
“I defeated my opponent because I was taller than her and I was calculating the way she throws her punches at me; in fact, the training I received gave me the opportunity to win.”
Samuel Ebohen from Champion Boxing Club defeated Victor Stun from Glorious Boxing Club in the 91 kg category, while Femi Akintayo from Star Boxing Club overpowered Kudus Aliu from Tenbernson Boxing Club in the 75kg category.
Elegbede Samuel from Smarth Boxing Club gave Demola Olaleye from Wesco Boxing Club in the 69kg a showdown, while Kazeem Saka from Kamlat Boxing Club overwhelmed Hammed Rufai from Morgan Boxing Club in the 64kg category.
Elizabeth Oshoba from Smarth Boxing Club defeated Musa Adesewa from Progressive Boxing Club in the female categories in the 51kg event among other categories.
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.