Sports
Why Boxing Sports Cannot Develop Without Corporate Support— Otunola
UnBoxx Boxing Promotions Managing Director, Bernard Otunolahas told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that the business world should come to change the fortunes of boxing in Nigeria. He said that much was needed from them in the areas of funding events for the progress of the boxing sports.He said that boxing in Nigeria was crawling compared to countries like Ghana, South Africa, and other African countries.
The UnBoxx promoter said that there were plans underway to organize a boxing event soon that would see the best of homegrown talents.He expressed discontent with the challenges facing boxing and would like to use every opportunity to appeal to boxing fans to key into the idea.
There are a high growing number of boxing fans in NetBet Nigeria, therefore, the corporate world need not worry about their investment as it would yield awesome interest for them. “In my own opinion, until we have boxing bouts every other weekend then we can say we are making progress. As a boxing promoter, one big challenge facing the sport is just accessing funds to promote boxing fights, lack of sponsors has crippled the sport. There is so much attention on football as if it is the only major sport that can bring glory and honor to our fatherland,” Otunola said.
“We have quality boxers here in Nigeria that can make the country proud, but withoutorganizing events for them to showcase their skills, how can they really be developed?“Recently a former world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, was in Nigeria but those who handled his visit did not allow him to visit the heart of boxing in Nigeria.“AJ’s profile if well packaged can do well to attract the right people to the sport but unfortunately things did not go that way,” Otunola said.
Meanwhile, Rilwan “Real One,” Oladosu, the West African Boxing Union (WABU) Lightweight champion, on Monday said he was ready to defeat Hammed Ganiyu “Ese Hammed” at the GoTv Boxing Night 19.He said that the lightweight category had the best boxers and it remained the most competitive with tough and hard-punching boxers like Joe Boy (Oto Joseph), Berinja (Tope Agboola), Hamzat Mubarak and Hammed.
The boxer said they were his rivals and was ready to fight any of them anytime, adding that he still had respect for them.The Oladosu/Hammed clash which comes up July 21 among six other fights would hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.Oladosutold the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that he was aware of the expectations of his fans and assured them of victory.
“This is my target, but first my focus is on the fight coming up on July 21, where I will crush Hammed,’’ Oladosu said. The coming GOtv Boxing Night 19 is sponsored by Multichoice Nigeria Plc and will be headlined by the international Welterweight challenge between reigning West African Boxing Union welterweight fight.
“These guys and many more in the Lightweight division are very talented and they make the division a very interesting one because they work hard to achieve their results.“I have the desire to challenge for the African belt and dethrone the current holder Joe Boy who happens to be a Nigerian.
The current champion, Nigeria’s Rilwan “Babyface” Babatunde will face Eden Biki of Ghana.The event will also feature prominent professional boxers in the country competing in different weight categories; Tope “TP Rock” Musa will face Kazeem “The Light” Oliwo in a national champion duet.
Tope “Berinja” Agboola will face reigning African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph.Former ABU Featherweight title champion, Waidi “Skoro” Usman, returning to action faces Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje in a national challenge contest.In the Light Welterweight division, Akeem “Sugar Boy” Olaiwola will square it up with Waheed “Showmax” Shogbamu, while Adeyemi “Spirit” Adekanla will take on Isaac “I Star” Chukwudi
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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