The Sun News On-line

As preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games gather momentum the world over, President of the Nigeria Amateur Boxing Association (NABA), Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, has revealed that Samuel Peter’s anointing as the new WBC heavyweight champion would spur Nigerian boxers to victory at the event in August.

The former Edo State governor, who had earlier boosted the morale of the boxers by promising each gold medallist at the Olympics a cash prize of $10,000, made this statement in Abuja when he hosted the board members of NABA to discuss the way forward for Nigerian boxers, especially at the forthcoming Olympics.

According to him: "As the president of NABA, I don’t have any doubt about our boxers excelling in Beijing. With the calibre of boxers we have in camp and with the kind of training they are undergoing, it would be difficult for any boxer to take the gold medals away from them.

"I must confess to you, I have not seen the kind of serious-minded boxers like the ones we currently have in camp. For instance, during the qualifiers in Namibia, one of the boxers had to beat his opponent with one hand after sustaining injury in his right hand during the preliminary rounds. That’s to show you their level of determination.

"Moreover, you will agree with me that Samuel Peter, the new WBC heavyweight champion, had opened the door for Nigerian boxers. We have never had it so good, where a Nigerian has occupied such a prestigious position. That feat by Peter simply translates to an open door for us.
"Last year, Nigeria won two prestigious laurels in the world, one in football and the other in boxing.

The late coach Yemi Tella had led our Under-17 boys to conquer the world and brought the junior World Cup to us. Also, Samuel Peter, in combat sport, dethroned the former world champion and brought the WBC heavyweight belt to Nigeria and I believe that Peter’s anointing will flow down to our boxers at the Olympics in Beijing, thereby causing them to go for the gold medals alone."

Chief Igbinedion added: "Nigerians should not be afraid because our boxers have a sound technical crew made up of men who are tested and trusted. It is purely divine that Obisia Nwankpa is now the head coach of the boxing team. He has what it takes to lead the team as one-time No.2 contender in the world.

"What NABA need now to excel, is support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), private organisations, the presidency, the stakeholders and fans of the game.
"As for the forthcoming Olympic Games, we must try and intensify our efforts and be ready to play the politics of the game. We must not allow our opponents to cheat us this time around.

"With the achievement of Peter, the whole world would be looking up to Nigeria at the Olympic Games as the nation to beat in boxing. Therefore, we need to join hands together and prove to the world that Nigeria has great boxers that can even break Peter’s record.
Finally, he appealed: "I want to urge our boxers and their crew members to keep on with their good works. They should do their best in order not to betray the trust and confidence Nigerians have in them."