Sports
London-Based Boxers Want To Fight For Nigeria
Two Nigerian boxers with Repton Boxing Club of London, Umar
Sadiq and Ben Falaja have declared their intention to fight for Nigeria if
called to camp.
The duo disclosed this to newsmen at the end of a three-day
third annual International Bout with Lagos Boxing Club held between September
21 and 23.
The first leg of the two-legged bout was held at Ikoyi Hotel
and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos while the return leg was held at the Indoor
Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
Lagos Club won the first leg 4-2 while Repton avenged with a
4-1 victory in the return leg.
Sadiq and Falaja said that they were willing to assist
Nigeria with their wealth of experience and exposure to help bring back the
lost glory of the sport in the country.
According to him, Nigerian boxers are talented, but needed
exposures for them to withstand and overcome their foreign counterparts at
international competitions.
Sadiq, 24, from Kano State, said that he took to boxing as a
way of recreation while schooling in London.
The 81kg boxer who said her mother was from Benue, said he
was discovered by the Repton Club while representing his school and he had
since won several competitions in London.
Sadiq who sealed his club 4-1 victory in the return leg of
the bout against Wasiu Balogun of the Lagos Club, said that he was in Nigeria’s
camp during preparation for the just-ended London 2012 Olympics.
“But I was dropped because I sustained injuries,” the dark
complexioned Sadiq said, adding, however, that he was still willing to fight
for Nigeria if he was invited.
“I am still willing to use my experience and exposures to
help Nigeria regain its feat in boxing if I am called again,” Sadiq said.
Falaja, 23, from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, said that his ambition was
to be among Nigeria’s boxers for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
The 69kg boxer who in the second leg of the bout out-punched
his Lagos Club rival, Ganiu Hammed, said he was also discovered by Repton Club.
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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