I’m keen on producing world champions for Nigeria, declares veteran boxing coach Akinola
Veteran boxing coach, Ibrahim Akinola says that he’s keen on producing world champions for the country and will not give up until he meets the target
The Septuagenarian who runs a boxing club at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, known as Ola-Akins International Boxing Club where he trains both male and female grassroots boxers from 10 years and above, said Nigeria is blessed with talented pugilists who when well nurtured will write the country’s name in gold in the pugilist game.
Akinola, who said he pioneered the training of female boxers in the country in 2004, noted that he’s happy with what he is doing with the kids, despite the financial challenges he faced to keep the club running.
”I love what I’m doing with these kids. I have not received any financial support from both government and private individuals since I started the club. I run it with the little I have because I want to achieve my dream of producing world champions for the country.
”I started this club more than 20 years ago and I have produced some fine boxers in the country, who have gone ahead to become national and international champions.
”I discovered and brought up the likes of Rufus Giwa, Akeem the Warrior, Iyabo Steven, a female boxer, now fighting for Nigerian Police and many others and I’m determined to do more because I want to see my boxers become world champions,” he said.
The Coach popularly called ‘Baba Boxing’ is however not happy with the poor state of professional boxing in Nigeria and hopes that more promoters will come in to uplift the game and make it more lucrative and attractive.
“Professional boxing in Nigeria is not where it’s supposed to be in Nigeria. It’s disheartening that a country that produced world champions in the past like Hogan Kid Bassey, Dick Tiger Ihetu and Samuel Peters and many others is now lacking behind in the sports and that’s what I want to correct.
” I want to see more promoters come on stage and uplift the game for the good of the country because Nigerian boxers have the potential to become world champions,” the Septuagenarian coach stressed.
Papa Akinola, a member of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) who trains over 30 kid boxers in his club will be happy to receive support from the government , corporate world and well meaningful Nigerians to make his dream come true.
Though, I’ve been running this club alone for many years now, I will be happy to get support from Nigerians. I need it because It has not been easy for me but I thank God for the strength, perseverance and courage which have kept the club going all these years, ” he concluded.
