The Head of Nigeria’s delegation to the African Boxing Elite Championships 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, Capt. Rasulun Kashim, has called for greater Nigerian involvement in the administration and decision-making structures of African boxing, insisting that the country must begin to take its rightful place in the politics of the sport at continental level.
Kashim, a board member of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), made the call during an exclusive interview with Sports247 in Nairobi, where he assessed Nigeria’s participation in the championship, commended the organisers and expressed confidence in the future of Nigerian boxing.
Speaking against the backdrop of some controversial decisions involving Nigerian boxers at the tournament, the delegation leader stressed that the country’s interests would be better served through stronger participation in the structures responsible for shaping the direction of African boxing.
“I think it is time for Nigeria to also be involved in the politics of boxing enough,” Kashim said.
His remarks come at a time when questions have been raised by some spectators over judging decisions involving Nigerian representatives at the continental championship.
Earlier in the competition, Nigerian boxers Aishat Gbadamosi and Abdulramon Abdulwahab suffered defeats to opponents from Algeria and Egypt respectively, with sections of the audience expressing disagreement with the judges’ verdicts.
While Kashim did not directly accuse the championship officials of wrongdoing, his call for increased Nigerian involvement in boxing administration underscored the importance he attaches to representation beyond the ring.
The delegation leader, however, began his assessment by applauding the organisers and the Kenyan government for providing African athletes with an opportunity to compete, gain international exposure and improve their skills.
“I must start by commending the organisers and the government of Kenya for putting up this kind of tournament,” he told Sports247.
“This is giving African boxers the chance to come together. From everything we have seen, this is a platform for our boxers to improve, and we look forward to more of these kinds of competitions.”
According to him, regular continental championships are essential to the development of African boxing because they expose athletes to different fighting styles, competitive environments and the demands of international competition.
Kashim maintained that tournaments of this nature should be encouraged and sustained to strengthen the sport across the continent.
Turning his attention to the Nigerian contingent, the NBF board member expressed appreciation for the support received from the leadership of the federation.
He particularly commended the federation president for the commitment demonstrated towards ensuring Nigeria’s participation in the Nairobi championship.
“I must commend our federation president. With the kind of support we are getting, I think we will surely do well,” he stated.
Kashim explained that the delegation arrived in Nairobi with strong belief in the abilities of the Nigerian boxers and confidence that they could compete favourably against their continental counterparts.
Despite some disappointing results, he maintained that the performances of the athletes had provided reasons for encouragement.
He noted that the commitment displayed by the boxers demonstrated their potential and the importance of continuing to support their development.
For the delegation leader, the responsibility of building a successful boxing nation extends beyond preparing athletes for competitions.
He suggested that Nigeria must also strengthen its presence in the administrative and technical structures of the sport, ensuring that the country participates meaningfully in discussions and decisions affecting African boxing.
His position reflects a broader concern that countries seeking sustained success in international sport must combine athlete development with effective institutional representation.
Kashim also emphasised the need to recognise the different responsibilities of athletes, administrators and technical officials.
While boxers are expected to concentrate on their performances inside the ring, he indicated that those responsible for the technical aspects of competition must be allowed to carry out their duties within the established rules.
The Nigerian delegation leader expressed optimism that with sustained support, better exposure and stronger administrative participation, Nigerian boxing could continue to make progress.
He insisted that the country’s athletes possess the ability and determination required to compete successfully at continental level.
“The boxers are good, and they are doing very well,” he said, expressing confidence in their development.
As the African Boxing Elite Championships continue in Nairobi, Kashim’s comments have introduced another dimension to the conversation surrounding Nigeria’s participation.
Beyond medals and individual victories, the NBF board member believes the country must begin to pay greater attention to its influence within the structures governing the sport.
His message is particularly significant at a championship where Nigerian boxers have demonstrated resilience despite disappointing results.
For Kashim, the road to a stronger Nigerian boxing future requires a combination of improved athlete development, consistent international exposure, committed federation leadership and strategic involvement in continental boxing administration.
His central message from Nairobi is clear: Nigeria must not only produce competitive boxers inside the ring; it must also strengthen its voice where decisions about African boxing are made.
