Nigerian boxers to embark on training tour of Ghana

Eight Nigerian boxers are to begin a tour of Ghana ahead of the Youth Olympics trials in Azerbaijan, APA learns here Saturday.

The boxers are among the 16 boxers invited to camp for the April trials and the training tour is expected to further expose them.

Reacting to their selection, some of the boxers commended the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) for organising the training tour.

One of the boxers, Agbaje Taiwo, told journalists on Saturday in Lagos that the tour would expose them to more techniques.

“The NBF have really tried by organising the training tour, they don’t want to leave any stone unturned in our preparations by making sure that we are equipped to excel.

“We have been under serious training with fellow Nigerian boxers as sparring partners but this tour will intensify our training on how to face opponents from other countries,” he said.

Another boxer, Nnamdi Kenneth, said the tour came at the right time as some of them had not fought outside the country before and so had limited exposure.

“The national trials was the first stage, but the Ghana tour is a big plus because we will face non-Nigerians and know how to face the main competition,” he said.

For Waidi Sogbamu, the tour will expose the boxers to modern facilities and a better training gym.

“The gym at the National Stadium, Lagos, is in bad shape, all the facilities are worn out but in Ghana, I am sure there will be a difference and we need it,’’ he said.

The Secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Patrick Uwagbale told journalists that the tour was part of the federation’s effort to prepare them adequately for the trials.

“Many of them will be having their first outing, so the tour will help them to be in competition shape and to silence stage fright during the fight next month.

“They have been in camp at the Games Village, Lagos, and the coaches have been drilling them. We want to maximise all avenues for them to be adequately ready,” he said.