Sports
Bash Ali Calls on Tinubu to Reconstitute Committee for Record-Breaking Boxing Showdown
By Joel Ajayi
Veteran boxer Bash Ali has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently re-inaugurate the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee (LOC), decrying the prolonged delay of his historic Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference held Thursday in Abuja, and through an open letter, Ali lauded President Tinubu’s vision for national development but expressed concern that certain individuals within his administration are actively working against the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nearly two years into the Tinubu administration and after multiple high-level meetings and assurances, Ali said the historic fight remains stalled due to entrenched corruption and administrative sabotage.
He appealed to the President for direct intervention, emphasizing that the re-inauguration of the LOC is crucial to realizing a dream that will bring global recognition, economic growth, and national pride to Nigeria.
> “A Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight has never been held on African soil—but mine will be the first, and the most lucrative in history,” Ali declared.
According to him, 132 countries have confirmed participation in the event, while over 46,000 fans have committed to purchasing ringside tickets at $500 each, showing the global appetite for the fight.
Ali explained that previous administrations—including those of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (2006), Goodluck Jonathan (2014), and Muhammadu Buhari (2019)—had all inaugurated a LOC in partnership with the private sector to fund the event. The Federal Government’s role, he emphasized, was limited to providing an enabling environment.
However, the project has been repeatedly derailed by corruption.
“The Federal Government has already assured international boxing bodies of their safety in Nigeria and the timely release of funds by private investors through the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Ali said. “But once again, corruption has obstructed progress.”
He further disclosed that $12 million had already been advanced through the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, but alleged that top officials—including a former sports minister and other government appointees—have misappropriated or extorted funds meant for the project. He specifically demanded a full investigation into the alleged misappropriation of over $13 million.
Ali called on President Tinubu to sanction those involved in sabotaging the project and to ensure the return of extorted funds.
“Mr. President, the Federal Government is not expected to spend a kobo—only to provide an enabling environment. In return, Nigeria will gain global honor, financial reward, and historic pride. Help me make this a reality,” he said.
He described the fight as the single biggest sporting event capable of generating immense revenue through pay-per-view sales, global sponsorship, advertising, and tourism, noting that it would be the first Guinness World Record boxing title fight held outside the United States.
“Corruption has stalled the only sporting event that can bring money, honor, and glory to Nigeria,” he lamented.
He urged the President not to allow the ambitions of corrupt individuals derail a globally significant event that could redefine Nigeria’s image on the world stage.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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