Nigerian boxing took a bit of an up and down movement when two of its boxers were invited to fight in the United States and the United Kingdom but they were however denied visas, much to the surprise of the Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control.
Remi Aboderin, Secretary General, NBBC and President, West African Boxing Union expressed shock and dissatisfaction at the turn of events while speaking to Sports247.
“I really can’t explain. Rilwan Oladosu is a WBF champion, our former National champion. And despite being invited to fight in America by his promoter, with his P1 visa paid for, meaning he’s recognized as an outlet to do business and leave the country afterward and all the documents are there even if at any point he couldn’t express himself well at the embassy,” Remi told Sports247.
“Blessing is supposed to fight against Pryce in London and that should have happened this August but the fight has been postponed because she hasn’t been granted visa entry despite the application being put in since May alongside her coach, yet the coach’s visa has been approved but the fighter herself has got nothing which will nullify the coach’s visa as well if it doesn’t come through and it’s disheartening to see how the embassies are handling these issues,” he added.
The Secretary-General went on to pass a message
“They should let genuine athletes showcase their talents internationally rather than frustrate them out of the sport and expose them to social vices,” Remi said.
“Rilwan is internationally recognized and is unbeaten in 15 bouts this year alongside his United States opponents. The embassy will be ruining the careers of our young athletes if they keep denying them access to get to the pinnacle of their careers,” he concluded.
