The technical director of Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Mr Femi Ayandibu, has revealed secrets behind the country’s surge to gold at the Africa Games in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s first boxing gold that was won on Friday by Ojo Joy Nene, the NBF’s technical buff said it is all down to a new lease of life flowing through the federation.
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Ayandibu also praised the contingent’s coaches for ensuring they picked the best boxers to represent Nigeria and enthused that the team will return home with the country’s fastest haul of boxing medals in recent years.
He further pointed out that, while Nigeria went to Ghana with 11 boxers, one of them lost under controversial circumstances, while Joy Ojo’s gold medal came with a walk over against Algeria’s Selmouni Chahira in the female 57kg category.
Her victory at Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, according to Ayandibu, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s search for glory in Ghana’s roped square and a return to the pinnacle of African pugilism.
Ayandibu stated at length: “So far, so good. Our athletes have performed beyond expectation. Kudos to the technical crew for doing a good job in selecting them.
“Kudos to them for making sure we scrutinised everything in bringing the best to represent the country. Even the boxer that did not qualify did not lose – he was robbed.
“We are looking forward to 10-over-10 record. That’s our slogan – from quarter final, to semi-final and to gold. We are hoping for a harvest of gold medals.
“I will give credit for this success back to the federation’s president. He is getting it right, and the coaches are following his example. There is no favouritism in their selections.
“We tell the boxers that only your knuckles will get you there. It’s also about getting the right people into the helm of affairs and providing the right atmosphere to work.
“Once you have harmony in your camp, you will win medals. The era of relying on favouritism or the coach is gone. Once you have harmony, the sky will be your limit.
“We so much understand each other, and we see things on the same level. We dissect issues and weigh our chances. Even before coming here, we discussed issues for several hours before taking a decision – and it is now helping us here in Accra.”
He concluded with a prediction that all the remaining Nigerian boxers will return home with medals dangling down their chests.
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