The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has firmly stated its stance against the promotion of transgender boxing in the country. Azania Omo-Agege, the Interim President of the NBF, voiced his concerns about the proposed visit of Boris Vandervorst, President of the World Boxing Federation (WBF), who is expected to promote transgender boxing during his trip.
Omo-Agege emphasized that this move is not in the best interest of Nigerians. He pointed out that the majority of Nigerian boxers come from the military, and President Bola Tinubu has recently banned transgender individuals from serving in the military. Supporting transgender boxing would thus conflict with the president’s directive and could force Nigerian boxers to choose between their sport and their loyalty to national policies.
Omo-Agege criticized those supporting the promotion of transgender boxing, especially within the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over national concerns. He also highlighted past controversies, noting that some of the same individuals had previously led Nigerian boxers to a disastrous doping scandal that resulted in bans.
The NBF president warned that allowing the transgender agenda to succeed could potentially collapse the sport of boxing in Nigeria. He called for a thorough assessment of the issue by Nigerian sporting authorities, keeping in mind President Tinubu’s stance on transgender issues.
Despite these challenges, Omo-Agege expressed gratitude for the support from the International Boxing Association (IBA) President, Umar Kremlev, who recently donated 500 boxing gloves to Nigerian boxers. He also commended Eyassu Wossen, President of the Africa Boxing Confederation, for his role in developing boxing across the continent.
