Boxing federation rejects transgender boxing in Nigeria, slams WBF president’s support 

The Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Azania Omo-Agege, has firmly stated that the federation will not endorse any initiative aimed at promoting transgender boxing in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Omo-Agege expressed concerns over the proposed visit of the President of the World Boxing Federation, Boris Vandervorst, who is reportedly expected to advocate for transgender boxing during his visit.

“This move is not in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.

According to Omo-Agege, Vandervorst has allegedly been at the forefront of championing Transgender boxing in the world.

“He became prominent when he allegedly gave the World Boxing platform to controversial Algerian transgender boxer, Imane Khalif, to participate in the Paris Olympics.

“You know that the majority of the boxers that represent Nigeria are from the military circle, and you recall recently that President Bola Tinubu had pronounced a ban on transgender in the military.

“So, do you want them to disobey the President because they want to represent Nigeria? This is the reason we will not welcome it in the country.”

Omo-Agege criticised those championing the move, and Vandervorst coming, especially at the Nigeria Olympic Committee, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over national concerns.

The NBF president wondered why those who led Nigerian boxers to a disastrous doping test outing and were eventually banned as a result, could still be allowed in the Nigeria boxing circle.

He said that boxing as a sport would collapse in the country if the agenda of transgender was allowed to succeed.

Omo-Agege called on the Nigerian sporting authority to critically assess the issue, while also being mindful of President Tinubu’s disposition towards transgender.

He commended the International Boxing Association’s President, Umar Kremlev, for his unrelenting support towards Nigerian boxers, noting that the 500 boxing gloves donated to Nigerian boxers recently, demonstrated his love for Nigeria Boxing.

Omo-Agege also commended the President of the Africa Boxing Confederation, Eyassu Wossen, for his role in developing boxing in Africa.

NAN