The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has started its training camp for athletes participating in the Africa Olympics Qualifying Bouts in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled from Sept. 6 to 16, Reelradio.com.ng understand.
At the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, the NBF has gathered 14 boxers representing seven weight categories.
Dapo Akinyele, the Secretary General of NBF, stated that the federation’s goal is to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the Paris 2024 boxing events after missing out on the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan.
According to Akinyele, “We have assembled our top athletes for this camp and we have high expectations from them. This time, we are dedicated to doing everything necessary to ensure qualification. Nigeria is abundant in talent, and we have a history of success in boxing at the Olympics.”
The National Coach of NBF, Anthony Konyegwechie, expressed confidence in the boxers’ spirits as they prepare for the Olympics qualifiers. He mentioned that the team undergoes training sessions in both the morning and evening, with a training camp in the UK that focuses on two weight categories for males (92 kg) and females (75 kg).
The weight divisions for the Nigerian camp include females at 50 kg, 57 kg, and 60 kg, and males at 57 kg, 63.5 kg, 71 kg, and 80 kg,” Konyegwechie explained.
Konyegwechie emphasized the importance of support for the athletes, stating that it would greatly enhance their performance. “We need more support for the boxers to keep them motivated ahead of the qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal. Adequate training equipment is also crucial,” he added.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent performance in the Africa Boxing Championship in Cameroon, where they secured one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals with minimal preparation. Konyegwechie stressed the need to perform even better for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The boxers are currently training in the Gym hall of the National Stadium Surulere Lagos.
