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
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish
Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
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