Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), commiserated with the family and friends of boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa, who passed away on the 2nd of June 2025, aged 75.
Nwankpa popularly known as Golden Gloves, hails from Okpulukwu, Umuosu, Umunna Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State. Born on 19th May, 1950 in Lagos, Nwankpa’s boxing journey spanned over four decades.
He represented Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, competing in the Light-welterweight division. Nwankpa won gold medals at the 1973 All-African Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the same division.
The Nigerian boxing legend held several prestigious titles, including Nigerian Lightweight Champions, African Boxing Union (ABU) Light-Welterweight Champion and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
“The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for nurturing a new generation of boxers after retiring from active competition,” President Tinubu said.
“Including leading Nigeria’s boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics.”
President Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s sporting community and Nigerian will long remember the legendary boxer and coach for the honour he brought to the country in the ring and the exciting moments he gave to the fans throughout his career.
The President prays for the peaceful repose of his soul and divine comfort for all who mourn him.
Nwankpa’s death follows a string of notable losses in Nigerian sports this year, including football legend Christian Chukwu and rising boxer Segun Olarenwaju, who died in the ring in Ghana.