By our reporter 27.4.2026
The National Sports Commission has warned individuals organising professional boxing in Nigeria to recognised that the only body vest with the authority to sanction professing boxing is the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.
According to the NSC director-general Hon. Bukola Olapade, some Nigerians have been writing to international boxing organisations, saying they have the approval of the NSC to take over activities of professional boxing in Nigeria.
“The NBB of C is the officially recognised professional boxing sanctioning body in Nigeria,” Hon Olapade said in a statement made available to the media.
“The NSC has not approved or empowered anyone or any group of people to take on the role of the NBB of C, which is the professional boxing sanctioning body, while the Nigeria Boxing Federation is to adhere to its role of overseeing amateur boxing in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile there is some sort of conflicting signals from the Nigeria Boxing Federation, following the appointment of Mr Azania Omo-Agege as chairman of its pro-boxing committee.
According to a statement signed by the NBF’s Director of Communications, Matthew Okugbe, Omo-Agege’s wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, would help address challenges in professional boxing in Nigeria.
“Omo-Agege’s appointment came in the wake of widespread rejection of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control by several international boxing body such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, ABU, and BoxRec, the official record keeper of combat sports globally,” the statement read.
“These reputable international boxing bodies have disowned the NBB of C despite a purported approval letter from the National Sports Commission. They cited knavery activities associated with boxers age falsification, pre-planned fight results, and financial improprieties, amongst other unethical actions.
“On this basis, BoxRec and other international bodies have resolved to work directly with the Nigeria Boxing Federation as the only institution recognised by law to oversee all aspects of boxing activities in Nigeria.”