Sports
WKU Achievements, Prospects In Nigeria
Kickboxing is one of the combat sports in the world that is currently gathering more followership and popularity. The sport’s administrative body at the international level is christened World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU).
The sport arguably is the most popular martial arts in recent times. It is safe to practice because a lot of personal defensive gears are involved Besides, kickboxing has different styles that attract participation, they are; semi contact which is very close to Taekwando, light contact which extensive power is not allowed and no knock downs and full contact, low kicks K1 are played in the ring, with Kata forms is a musical shadow fight.
The nature of the sports made it to have several set backs before it was finally given a nod to be recognized as one of the sports in Nigeria, in 1993.
The delayance for the sports to be recognised was because the then military felt the sports was too physical and combative, that it is expected to be for the military men, they further conceived the fears that many people will misuse the techniques acquired to become street fighters alone.
But today, the story of kickboxing is the opposite thought of people because it has actually insert discipline in the kickboxing athletes or fighters.
No doubt the WKU, Nigeria have same challenges that are limiting them to achieve their set goals. This is so because the association is a non- profit making organisation, which means there are no source of funds other than sponsorship and donations from well meaning Nigerians.
Inspite of the challenges, the President of WKU in Nigeria, Nizar Taleb, is poised to develop the sports to the highest level in the country.
According to him, since he took over mantle of leadership in August, 2016, he has put a road map with Nigerian Kickboxing Association to take the Sports to Professional level and create avenue for all talented fighters in Nigeria to reach world class level.
“I have been encouraging Nigerian children to start with the sports early so that we can keep them out of the streets and all form of bad habits that are destroying our children nowadays,” Taleb said.
The president, who started martial arts at the age of seven and three time world champion with a lot of international medals and recognition explained that he has organised in-house seminars for judges, referees and fighters to enable them know the new rules and techniques of the sports.
“The second seminar held last week was for judges and referees with practical and written examination to certify those that will officiate when we will hold our WKU championship billed to commence from 28th to 30th April, this year in Port Harcourt.
“I want to say that two WKU belt fights will be nominated for the best of the best fighters. Then winners shall be nominated to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming world championships in Ireland August, this year,” he stated.
Taleb equally said that his vision is to ensure that over 80 million Nigerians out of the 180 million in the country to be kick boxers, saying that what inspired him to like kickboxing is that as a little boy he watched the films of a celebrated movie star Bruce Lee, because of his techniques’ moves and styles of fighting.
Consequently, he proceeded to study martial arts sciences with a Master Degree in Martial Arts of Science from Fima University London, now preparing for Doctorate in same field.
His achievements have earned him a Grade A head referee and instructor by many world organisations.
Taleb, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UTF companies said the advantages of kickboxing are enormous, adding that apart from its great workout for the body, it will give you self esteem and confidence when you are in the street.
“Kickboxing techniques are very practical to be used as a self defence style in the streets, as contrary to other traditional martial arts that cannot be practised during a street fight”, he added.
He used the forum to appeal to parents to encourage their children to learn Martial Arts and promised the World President of WKU, Klaus Naumekhor, that Nigeria will attend the World Championships in Ireland with the best fighters.
“Nigerian fighters are mentally balanced to attend the world championship. Other countries should also prepare for us, because from what I am seeing our boys are not far from the world class level they just need little advice, amendments in training and good system to follow.
“They are very strong but will to be given the path to take out this strong power and make of it a maximum force,” he stated.
Tonye Orabere
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun believes the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) will set a new benchmark for future editions of the multi-sports event.
Apart from being the first host state to house all participating athletes under one roof, the Governor assured contingents, spectators, and residents of maximum security during the NSF, which will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30.
During a parley with journalists in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun highlighted that Babcock University has been chosen as the games village.
Over 10,000 athletes and officials will compete at the games in Ogun State. The Governor also named former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, as Grand Sports Ambassador, emphasising the state’s readiness to break new ground with the sporting fiesta, which has revitalised all its sporting facilities.
“As the Gateway State, we want to set the pace for others to follow. For the first time in NSF history, all participating athletes and officials will be accommodated under one roof, just like it is done globally. They will be well catered for, with high standards of security and safety. Shuttle buses will convey athletes to their venues daily, and we will ensure the roads are clear for them during the games. We are excited to host the NSF and aim to make Gateway 2024 a benchmark for future games because, as the Gateway State, we want to lead while others follow,” the Governor said.
Abiodun also mentioned that the state government would use this opportunity to build a sports economy for the state. “Ogun’s business circle will experience a bumper harvest during the event, with major hotels fully booked and petty traders making brisk business,” he said.
If the grassroots development of Nigerian sports is to be actualized, the private sector would play a pivotal role. The Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko said while speaking at the grand finale of the MTN Champs Season 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo on Friday.
The NSC Chairman commended the organisers, partners, and participants of the MTN Champs for their outstanding contributions to the growth of academicals and grassroots athletics in Nigeria.
His words, “The MTN Champs is a shinning example of how private sector collaboration can drive youth development and sports excellence across the country. Mr. President places so much premium on grassroots development of sports. You will see this in the fact that he appointed an SSA on Grassroots Sports Development. That is why we are very deliberate in ensuring that sports are developed right from the grassroots. We are aggressively pursuing the revival of our school sports. It is a mandate that we must carry out.
“Over the years, we have had issues with our conveyor belt of talents. That is why we find it hard to replace ageing talents. We have set out to ensure that there is regular supply of talents from the grassroots. We can’t do this alone without the involvement of the private sector. This is why I must commend MTN for their consistency in this project. This is really the way to go. I am sure that the talents discovered here will serve this nation in a long while to come. We need more of such initiatives. Kudos to MTN.”
He noted that the MTN Champs aligns perfectly with the Commission’s RHINSE strategic framework, which prioritises results, holistic development, Inclusion, nationwide impact, sustainability, and engagement in all sports development initiatives.
“The MTN Champs has demonstrated the transformative power of education and grassroots sports programmes. It is a model of how strategic partnerships with the private sector can unearth young talents, inspire communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mallam Dikko stated.
The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives that align with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports (RHINSE) framework, particularly those focused on creating structured pathways for young athletes to grow into elite performers while receiving education and life skills training.
He further reiterated NSC’s commitment and objectives to provide all the enablers to drive grassroots sports and creating a professional pathway for growth as evidenced with the NSC introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) to compete at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun State under the sponsorship of the commission as the 38th State and the ongoing collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education towards the revival of school sports.
Mallam Dikko applauded MTN Nigeria for setting a commendable template for corporate participation in sports and encouraging other private sector organisations to emulate this example by investing in sustainable developmental sports programmes that empower Nigerian youths and promote national unity.
The NSC Chairman was joined by the Chief Finance Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadiri, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and other dignitaries
The MTN Champs, in its 3rd season, a nationwide school and grassroots athletics competition, witnessed widespread participation from students across Nigeria and served as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of champions.
On the sidelines of the programmes, the NSC Chairman engaged with MTN executives on further areas of possible collaboration between the two organisations in the advancement of sports in Nigeria. Subsequently MTN reaffirmed its commitment to continued support of the sector.
Court documents obtained by our correspondent reveal that Omo-Agege’s lawsuit, filed on Monday, names the National Sports Commission, International Olympic Committee, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Rtd. General Kenneth Minimah, Mr. Akinyele Oladapo, World Boxing, and the Board of Nigeria Boxing Federation as defendants in the case.
The legal action primarily challenges the controversial affiliation with World Boxing, which Omo-Agege claims was executed without proper consultation with stakeholders and board members.
In the nine-point suit, Omo-Agege seeks several declarations, including that “the inclusion of Nigeria Boxing Federation as a member of World Boxing by the defendants is illegal, void, and not in compliance with the Articles of Association of Nigeria Boxing Federation, and therefore Nigeria Boxing Federation still remains a member of International Boxing Association.”
The interim president also asked the court to declare that Minimah “is no longer the president of Nigeria Boxing Association, parading himself as the president of Nigeria Boxing Association after being suspended by the International Boxing Association and already completing his tenure.”
A key component of the lawsuit is Omo-Agege’s claim that the November 11, 2023 meeting that led to his suspension was “illegal, null and void and all decisions made in the said meeting are invalid and inconsequential.” He maintains that as the former vice president, he became the rightful interim president when Minimah’s tenure expired.
The plaintiff is seeking “an order of mandatory injunction restraining the 4th defendant (Minimah) from further parading himself as the President of Nigerian Boxing Federation” and “an order of perpetual injunction restraining World Boxing from further naming Nigeria Boxing Federation as one of its members.”
Additionally, the lawsuit asks the court to order all defendants to recognise Omo-Agege as the interim president of the federation.
The legal action comes just days after the African Boxing Confederation officially lifted Omo-Agege’s suspension in a formal letter dated April 26, signed by AFBC Interim Secretary General Yohannes Brehane.
“The African Boxing Confederation is writing to formally inform you that, during its Board of Directors meeting held on February 9, 2025, the matter of your suspension was reviewed and resolved. The Board has decided to lift your suspension with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
In the court documents, Omo-Agege alleges that the move to World Boxing “was as a result of the International Olympic Committee’s pressure through the NOC by the machination of World Boxing.”
He claims that a letter was written to all African federations “mandating all International Boxing Federations across the world, especially Africa, to withdraw their membership from the International Boxing Association and join World Boxing as members.”
The factional leadership has significantly affected Nigeria’s boxing performance, with athletes expressing concerns about preparation and administration.
The lawsuit also contains allegations of financial misconduct, claiming that “monies belonging to the NBF have been expended fraudulently” by Minimah and Oladapo, including partial payment of athletes’ allowances and diversion of funds to private accounts.
The case, which has been filed through the law firm of Karina Tunyan (SAN) & Co, is expected to further complicate matters for Nigerian boxing, which has already struggled with administrative challenges affecting athlete preparation and performance at international competitions.