By Neye Sowunmi

Nigeria’s performance in  boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics was marked by significant challenges and setbacks. Adam Olaore, a key hope for the country, was eliminated in the preliminary rounds. Dolapo Omole, despite having qualified, could not compete due to medical issues that prevented him from making the trip. Cynthia Ogunsemilore, who was present in Paris, was disqualified from the women’s 60kg category due to a doping violation.

This disappointing outcome highlights a 28-year drought for Nigerian boxing at the Olympics, with the last medal being won by Duncan Dokiwari in Atlanta 1996, where he secured a bronze in the Super Heavyweight category. This situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to revive and elevate Nigerian boxing on the international stage.

Nigeria has a robust grassroots boxing program that effectively identifies and nurtures talent, helping athletes progress to the state level. However, significant challenges arise at the national level due to insufficient funding, which hampers the provision of elite training and opportunities for Nigerian boxers to compete internationally, unlike their global counterparts.

In April of this year, IMG Boxing secured sponsorship for two promising boxers to attend the World Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand. Unfortunately, they failed to qualify due to a lack of international experience and exposure. Talent alone is insufficient when facing seasoned boxers with nearly twenty times the number of fights.

There is also a pressing need for improved planning to ensure that Nigerian boxers begin their training camps well in advance. Currently, training camps in Nigeria last no more than four weeks, while international competitors train year-round and undertake training tours abroad.

Additionally, it is crucial to guide and monitor boxers to prevent doping violations, whether due to ignorance or external influences. Proper education and support are essential to help athletes avoid the pitfalls of doping and maintain the integrity of the sport.

Furthermore, Nigeria should establish a consistent boxing squad instead of selecting team members at the last minute for international events. This squad should receive a regular monthly salary to ensure financial stability and sustained commitment. A stable and dedicated team will enhance performance and build a stronger presence on the global stage.

Vanguard News