Nigeria Boxing Federation Boss Resigns Minimah Steps In

The crisis in the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) came to a head on Saturday, when the President, Rotimi George-Taylor, resigned, claiming that he had achieved his objective of being the NBF chief.

Tidesports source reports that Brig.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, took over as the new NBF President.

Although no reason was given for George-Taylor’s resignation, it might, however, not be unconnected with the dismal performance of Nigerian boxers at the just-conlcuded 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

At the head of the crisis was the decision not to take boxers from the middleweight to the heavyweight class to the Games as well as alleged favouritism in the selection of the team, which was blamed on the former president.

The former president incurred the wrath of the Sports Minister/Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Ibrahim Bio, during the Games when he was seeking the Minister’s blessing to contest for membership of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA).

The heated board meeting held at the National Stadium, Lagos, was specifically convened to effect the change in the federation’s leadership.

Emerging from the meeting in full army gear, Minimah told anxious newsmen that boxing was in a deplorable state and promised the new NBF leadership would do everything within its power to reverse the situation.

“Boxing is in a serious state of decline and it needs to be urgently revived and restored to its former pride of place.

“I promise to do my very best to ensure that the process is revived in all  its ramifications,’’ he said.

George-Taylor said he stepped down voluntarily, claiming that the decisions he took while in office were in the best interest of boxing.

The former president said he still remained a member of the board and expressed confidence that the new NBF chief would succeed.

In another development, estranged boxing Chief Coach, Obisia Nwankpa, has been restored to his position, while Idika Nsofor remained as the Technical Adviser.