Nigerian Boxing Contingent Off To Youth Olympic Qualifiers

The Nigerian boxing contingent to the Youth Olympic qualifiers holding in Azerbaijan from April 20 to May 2 left the country early in the week for the competition.

Femi Laguda, the Assistant Coach of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), told newsmen in Lagos that the contingent left Nigeria late via a Turkish Airline flight.

Laguda said the contingent was made up of six boxers and three officials.

The boxers are Mutiu Olaide (51kg), Taiwo Agbaje (54kg), Kazeem Oliwo (57kg), Waheed Shogbamu (60kg), Rilwan Oladosu (64kg) and Muideen Akanji (75).

He said that the sparing partners were decamped.

The officials are Idika Nsofor, technical adviser; Coach Ajani Aremu and Patrick Uwagbale, NBF Secretary.

Laguda said the NBF President, Rotimi George-Taylor, was expected to have joined the team on Wednesday.

Sources at the airport also confirmed the team’s departure on Monday night in spite of the volcanic eruption affecting some parts of Europe.

“It is only those going to Western Europe who are not allowed to travel as a result of the volcanic eruption,’’ the source explained.

The boxers were selected based on their outstanding performance in their various weight categories at the national trials in Lagos in March.

Laguda said the boxers had been given necessary training to withstand the challenges of the competition.

“I am optimistic that they will scale through and qualify for Olympics,’’ he said.

The contingent is expected back in the country on May 3.