The Progressive Professional Boxers Association of Nigeria (PPBA) has pledged its full support and allegiance to the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) following its formal inauguration on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Lagos.
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The association was officially launched at the Sports Hall of Police College, Ikeja, marking what stakeholders described as a significant milestone in the development and administration of professional boxing in Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration, PPBA Coordinator, Afinni Idris Abiodun, outlined the association’s vision to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports boxers both during and after their careers.
According to him, the body aims to establish a support fund to ease financial burdens on active fighters, introduce career transition programmes for retired boxers, and ensure access to health insurance.
He also emphasized the association’s commitment to fairness, welfare, and proper representation for Nigerian boxers.
“We are going to be working on a support fund for our boxers to help them focus on their careers without financial stress. For retiring and retired fighters, we will create career transition programmes because boxing is not just a sport but a lifelong career,” Afinni said.
He further reaffirmed the association’s loyalty to the NBBofC, describing it as the only recognized authority governing professional boxing in Nigeria.
“We’re proud to stand with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control — the sole recognized body overseeing professional boxing in Nigeria. We align, partner, and endorse the NBBofC. If it’s not NBBofC, it is not legitimate,” he stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, PPBA Assistant Secretary, Hamzat Idris, stressed the importance of collaboration with the regulatory body to move the sport forward.
“We are proud to partner with the NBBofC. Together, we will align strategies for better outcomes and position Nigerian professional boxing as a global force,” he said.
The inauguration also saw the unveiling of the association’s executives.
Afinni Idris Abiodun will serve as Coordinator, alongside assistant coordinators Obinna Mathew and Kabiru Towolawi. Sikiru Sogbesan was named Secretary, with Hamzat Idris as Assistant Secretary, while Samuel Opaogun and Bolatito Oluwole will serve as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer respectively.
Other officials include Victor Chikalele, Celina Agwu, and Chinedu Okeke as Public Relations Officers, while Farouk Abubakri, Obaro Eradajaye, and Afolabi Shittu were appointed Organising Secretaries. Tunde Olojede and Blessing Chukwuede will serve as Financial Secretaries, with Ridwan Oyekola “Scorpion” as Assistant Financial Secretary.
The Disciplinary and Dispute Resolution Committee comprises Tony Salam, Oladimeji Akinde, and Believe Oghuvwu.
The establishment of the PPBA is expected to play a key role in improving the welfare, structure, and global competitiveness of professional boxing in Nigeria.
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