Brig.-Gen. Joseph Ayeni, the Vice-President of Nigeria Boxing Federation ( NBF ), on Friday in Lagos said the federation’s one-day trial recorded success as the national boxers displayed high level of competitiveness.
The one-day boxing trial was put together by the NBF to assess the readiness of boxers for the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, Australia in April.
Ayeni told our reporter that the 16 boxers in camp performed well during their pre-tournament bouts held at the National Stadium Complex in Lagos.
“We are happy with the performances of the boxers and I can assure you that the boxers are ready to do the nation proud at the Games and bring home laurels.
“There is still much to do, and the little time available will be used to correct all those areas that still need to be touched.
“I commend the coaching crew led by Tony Konyegwachie. I have seen a great level of development and I believe we can still do better.
“We have seen the boxers, and we can see that they are wonderful and excellent boxers. But it is only after we test them against their international counterparts that we can assess them well,’’ Ayeni said.
He said the federation’s plan was to take the 16 boxers presently in camp to the Games so that the others could serve as sparring partners to the recommended eight boxers.
“The Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has recommended that we take eight boxers to the Games. However, we are hoping to take along eight others to serve as sparing partners to the recommended number,” Ayeni said.
Prior to the Games in April, there would be a pre-doping tournament to check on the level of discipline of the boxers.
NAN