National Boxing Trials Begin For Paris Olympics

The national boxing trials for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to begin on Wednesday (today) at the National Stadium, Lagos.

In a letter released by the Secretary General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Akinyele Oladapo, the boxers called up should report to camp Tuesday, July 18th 2023.

The letter, dispatched to State Directors of Sports, highlighted that the boxers would be accommodated at the Lt. Gen. Minimah (retd.) hostel at the National Stadium.

The training and elimination exercises are scheduled to hold at the Boxing Gym from Wednesday to Thursday July 20th.

The Secretary General emphasised that boxers who lost their fights would vacate camp the following day.

NBF vice president, Azania Omo-Agege, told our correspondent they were expecting the best from the pugilists.

“Boxing is one of the sports that Nigerians have always been known to shine, so, I believe that these young men and women will be able to show off their full range of skills to secure qualification for the Olympics.

“We hope that they all give their best, so, we can take the very best out of these elite few to represent the nation at the Olympics in Paris. Maybe we can find the next world champion this week,” he said.

Also, number three ranked middleweight boxer in Nigeria, Adewale Olojede, believes he can qualify from the trials.

“Yes, I believe I can qualify for the Olympics. I am ready to face anyone at the trials and I would love to get a medal for Nigeria at the Olympics.”

Adeoye Kolawole, who is representing Ekiti State, added, “My goals are simple — win the trials, and then become the Olympic gold medallist for Nigeria. Training has been good, I have worked hard for it and I am going to do the best I can do to become the winner.” Kolawole said.