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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Edun charges Nigerian boxers ahead Ghana bout

From The Punch · (4m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigeria's boxing contingent has been urged by the Nigeria Boxing Federation president to compete with national pride against Ghana in a friendly tournament.
  • The friendly match in Accra is part of preparations for both nations' 2026 Commonwealth Games campaigns.
  • The federation is also arranging additional international friendlies to further prepare the boxers for the Games.

The Nigerian boxing team is heading to Accra, Ghana, for a friendly tournament, carrying the hopes and national pride of their country. Wale Edun, President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) and a prominent figure in the nation's economic leadership, has charged the contingent to perform with distinction.

Firstly, I want you all to be conscious of our national flag which you carry, you must do so with pride, the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana has no exception, despite being a friendly match you must fight for the pride of our nation.

— Wale EdunPresident of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, urging the team to compete with national pride against Ghana.

Edun emphasized the significance of representing Nigeria, reminding the boxers that even in a friendly match, the historic rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana demands maximum effort and commitment. "You must do so with pride, the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana has no exception, despite being a friendly match you must fight for the pride of our nation," he stated, underscoring the deep-seated sporting competition between the West African neighbors.

This encounter is more than just a friendly; it serves as a crucial stepping stone in the preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Both nations are using this fixture to gauge their athletes' readiness and competitive edge. The NBF sees such international exposure as vital, with Chairman of the technical committee, Babatunde Laguda, noting that competitive environments are far more beneficial than solitary training.

The Ghana friendly tournament is truly the way to go at a time like this.

— Babatunde LagudaChairman of the NBF technical committee, highlighting the importance of the friendly match for team preparation.

Looking ahead, the NBF is actively seeking further international challenges. Vice-president Omonlei Imadu confirmed that discussions are underway with two other countries to arrange additional friendly matches. This proactive approach aims to provide the boxers with the best possible preparation before the Commonwealth Games commence in July, ensuring they are battle-ready for the global stage.

Our aim is to ensure that our boxers get the best preparation before July when the Commonwealth Games begin.

— Omonlei ImaduNBF vice-president, discussing the federation's efforts to arrange more international friendlies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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