Amid a period of national mourning following the tragic deaths of athletes and officials from Kano State in a recent road accident, fresh outrage has erupted in the Nigerian kickboxing community over a dangerous, unauthorized international trip allegedly led by the suspended President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KBFN), Mr. Wilson Okon.
Despite being officially suspended, Mr. Okon reportedly continued to present himself as the federation’s president and led four athletes—three male and one female on a risky journey to Cameroon to participate in the Africa Kickboxing Open.
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The trip, according to sources within the federation, was undertaken without proper approval or logistical safeguards, with transportation allegedly involving road and boat travel.
No Official Clearance, No Safety Assurances
Insiders within the KBFN and the broader sports community have raised serious concerns about the trip’s legality, safety, and ethical implications.
Questions are now being asked about whether Mr. Okon had any authorization from the Federal Ministry of Sports or relevant bodies to organize such a venture, especially under a cloud of suspension.
“Why were these athletes exposed to such dangerous travel routes, especially now when the nation is still reeling from the loss of promising sportsmen and women in similar circumstances?” asked one senior federation official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This action was reckless and desperate. If tragedy had struck again, who would take responsibility?”
Calls for Immediate Action
In light of the growing concerns, there are mounting calls for immediate and decisive action from the National Sports Commission. Key demands from stakeholders include:
A full investigation into Mr. Okon’s activities and the circumstances surrounding the trip.
Clarification on his current status and authority within the Kickboxing Federation.
A nationwide moratorium on all unauthorized international trips by sports bodies and officials.
There is growing fear that without strong regulatory oversight and enforcement, Nigerian athletes, especially the youth, could continue to be exposed to life-threatening conditions in the name of representing the country.
KBFN: Reform Must Take Priority Over Recklessness
Dr. Mykel Eneduwa, the recognized President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, federation sources confirm that the board is “deeply disturbed” and is currently reviewing the situation.
This latest development highlights deeper systemic issues within Nigeria’s sports federations—ranging from factional power struggles to poor oversight and lack of centralized control—challenges that continue to endanger athletes’ welfare.
Conclusion
As the nation continues to mourn its recent sporting losses, the Cameroon episode serves as a harsh reminder: athlete safety must come before medals, titles, or personal agendas.
Without urgent intervention and meaningful reform, the lives of more young Nigerian athletes could be jeopardized by unapproved and unsafe ventures masked as national representation. The time to act is now.
