The Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Azania Omo-Agege, has ignited a firestorm of accountability within Nigeria’s sports sector, pledging to submit a formal petition to the National Assembly over alleged financial mismanagement tied to Nigeria’s participation in a recent World Boxing Federation event in London.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Monday, Omo-Agege condemned what he described as a “controversial and opaque” selection process that sidelined the NBF leadership and national coaching staff.
According to him, three boxers were handpicked from Lagos without undergoing standard trials or training camps, a move he claims directly contributed to Nigeria’s poor performance at the international tournament.
“Normally, you bring medalists from the last competition into camp, test them again, and select those in form. Instead, they just handpicked three boxers and took them abroad with their local coach, sidelining the national coach,” he complained.
Omo-Agege further pointedly alleged that the Federation’s Secretary General, Olalekan Fasesin, and a board member orchestrated the selections without consulting the broader leadership or adhering to established protocols.
He warned that such practices not only erode the sport’s integrity but also heighten risks, such as athletes absconding during foreign trips.
Beyond selection concerns, the NBF chief raised alarms over Nigeria’s failure to meet international standards, particularly the absence of mandatory gender verification for female boxers. This lapse reportedly cost the country additional representation at the London event.
“We lost the chance to field more athletes because mandatory gender tests weren’t conducted. That’s unacceptable at this level,” he added.
In a bold move to restore transparency and professionalism, Omo-Agege announced his intention to petition the National Assembly, demanding an urgent and comprehensive audit of all funds disbursed for the London trip.
He insisted that accountability is non-negotiable if Nigerian boxing is to regain credibility on the global stage, a goal that is within reach with the proper measures in place.
Calling for unity among stakeholders, he urged the National Sports Commission and other governing bodies to prioritise fairness, merit, and due process in future international engagements, ensuring a brighter future for Nigerian boxing.