The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has commended the board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) for what he described as a top-class organisation of the ongoing National Boxing Week and Commonwealth Games Open Trials in Lagos.
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Olopade, who visited the event on Tuesday, praised the NBF leadership for its commitment to holistic boxing development, particularly through the training of officials and coaches, as well as the creation of an enabling environment for boxers to sharpen their skills.
The NSC boss watched several bouts at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Surulere, and expressed strong optimism about Nigeria’s medal prospects ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
“I am thrilled by the grit, techniques and overall ring intelligence of these young boxers. Their movement and understanding of the sport are truly heartwarming.
I am sincerely excited about our nation’s prospects in boxing at the Commonwealth Games,” Olopade said.
In a major boost to the sport, the NSC Director-General announced an increase in the number of boxing slots allocated to Nigeria for the Games in Glasgow.
“Based on what I have seen today, I am confident that boxing stands a strong chance of securing more podium finishes at the Commonwealth Games. The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has commended the board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF)u
Consequently, we have decided to increase the number of our pugilists to the Games,” he added.
Olopade further assured the NBF of the Commission’s continued support beyond the Boxing Week, including the implementation of structured camping programmes to adequately prepare the boxers for the Commonwealth Games.
A total of 120 boxers—comprising home-based athletes and those from the diaspora—are currently competing in the Commonwealth Games Open Trials in Lagos.
The widely followed event, which commenced on Sunday, March 1, is scheduled to conclude with a grand finale on Friday, March 6.
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