Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Omonlei Imadu, has pledged to spearhead a sweeping restructuring of boxing across the country, insisting that the new board will revive the sport from the grassroots and restore Nigeria’s long-lost dominance on the African stage.
Imadu, who was recently elected into the federation’s leadership, promised that his administration will not pay lip service to reform, stressing that Nigerian boxing is long overdue for a deep, strategic overhaul.
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He noted that the talent pool in Nigeria remains enormous, but years of neglect, poor infrastructure, and lack of coordinated development have left the sport lagging behind other African nations.
> “We are not here to continue business as usual,” Imadu said confidently. “The NBF board is fully committed to rebuilding boxing from the ground up. Grassroots revival will be our first priority because that is where champions are born.”
He explained that his selection as vice president came with high expectations, especially considering his track record of supporting boxing programs before assuming office. Imadu highlighted that his previous youth-focused initiatives — including organizing community bouts and supporting young prospects — will now be expanded nationwide under the federation’s new roadmap.
“My work at the grassroots before now speaks for itself,” he added. “But this new position gives us the structure and authority needed to make lasting changes. We are going to identify young boxers, nurture them properly, and ensure they have platforms to compete regularly.”
Imadu also revealed plans to improve coaching standards, upgrade training equipment across several local boxing gyms, and collaborate with state sports commissions to ensure boxing becomes an attractive pathway for young athletes again.
He emphasized that Nigeria has historically produced world-class boxers and should not struggle to dominate Africa if the right structures are in place.
With a renewed leadership and a clear development blueprint, Imadu assured Nigerians that boxing will not only rise again but thrive — reclaiming its place among Nigeria’s biggest medal-winning sports.
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