NBF appoints Omo-Agege chairman pro-boxing commitee

The Nigeria Boxing Federation has ratified the appointment of Mr Azania Omo-Agege as chairman of its pro-boxing committee.

Omo-Agege previously served as vice president of the federation and later assumed the role of interim president towards the end of the tenure of the former NBF board.

The experienced sports administrator also held the position of vice president of the African Boxing Confederation, where he initiated several reforms aimed at advancing boxing on the continent.

According to a statement signed by the NBF’s Director of Communications, Matthew Okugbe, the board expressed confidence that Omo-Agege’s wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, would help address challenges in professional boxing in Nigeria.

“Omo-Agege’s appointment came in the wake of widespread rejection of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control by several international boxing body such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, ABU, and BoxRec, the official record keeper of combat sports globally,” the statement read.

“These reputable international boxing bodies have disowned the NBBofC despite a purported approval letter from the National Sports Commission. They cited knavery activities associated with boxers age falsification, pre-planned fight results, and financial improprieties, amongst other unethical actions.

“On this basis, BoxRec and other international bodies have resolved to work directly with the Nigeria Boxing Federation as the only institution recognised by law to oversee all aspects of boxing activities in Nigeria.”

The NBF said it has become imperative for it to take charge of pro-boxing in the country since professional boxers are now allowed to fight in the Olympics. Any pro boxer with 15 fights or below is now allowed to compete at the Olympics.

Hence, the Nigeria Boxing Federation has resolved to monitor and generate proper records for its professional boxers without depending on any external sources for such essentials.

The federation’s leadership also commended the National Sports Commission for its firm stance against age falsification and other unethical practices in Nigerian sports. It appreciated the commission’s support during this critical phase and reaffirmed that ongoing reforms in Nigerian boxing align with the commission’s “Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Sports Economy” initiative, aimed at placing the nation’s sports sector on a progressive path.