Sports
Winners Emerge In Boxing And MMA Hall Of Fame Southwest Edition
The Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame held the southwest edition of the National Amateur Boxing and MMA Championships at the Landmark Event Center, V.I, Lagos.
The event drew significant attention as more than 50 talented fighters from the six south western states, namely Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Ondo showcased their prowess in both MMA and Boxing.
The MMA Championship was organized under the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMM) rules and featured five intense final bouts. Sanni Azeezat from Ogun State triumphed over Olanike Glory from Ondo State in the 65kg female category, while Quadri Bikilis from Oyo State emerged victorious against Ayomide Olorundare from Ogun State in 56 kg female categoty.
In the male 70.3kg category, Olabode Fayowole from Lagos defeated Rasheed Taiwo from Oyo State. Musa Jamiyu from Ondo State outclassed Latif Akubee from Oyo State in the 65.6kg category, and Samuel Gabriel from Lagos State claimed victory over Saheed Faruk from Ogun State in the 61.2kg category.
The Boxing Championship was officiated by Lagos State Boxing Association (LABA) and saw 12 thrilling bouts. Lagos State fighters dominated subsequent bouts, with Qudus Lateef defeating Bakare Taiwo from Osun State in the 51kg male category, and Akanni Balogun securing a win over David Kushimo from Ogun State in the 54kg male category. Odebode Opeyemi from Oyo State triumphed over Badmus Mueeb from Osun State in the male 60kg category, and Obanla Opeyemi from Lagos State won against Ramon Folarin from Oyo State in the male 85kg category. Among the female fighters, Akinyemi Asisat from Lagos State defeated Ibrahim Zainab from Osun State by RSC in the first round of the 57kg category.
The first day of Championship aslo included MMA Seminar under GAMMA rules for the purpose of training and certifying of national judges and referees.
Mr. Rayan Fayan, a representative of the Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame, commented on the significance of the event
“This tournament is a crucial stage for the southwest states, as we previously held in Abuja for the north central and north west regions. It serves as a qualifier for the National Championship in Boxing and MMA. Our aim is to identify the best athletes from each state and zone across Nigeria, providing them with the exposure needed to represent Nigeria in the Olympics and international tournaments”.
The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) is an international organization dedicated to the development and promotion of amateur mixed martial arts. It aims to foster the growth of the sport globally by organizing competitions, setting standards for training and safety, and providing a platform for amateur athletes to showcase their skills. GAMMA works to elevate the sport to an Olympic level, supporting fighters through various stages of their careers and enhancing the global presence of MMA.
The Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame (formerly Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF)) is a non-profit organization established in 2011 to develop and support young boxers on the grassroot and amateur levels by organizing monthly boxing tournaments that has churned out some of the finest boxers for Lagos State and Nigeria.
It remains Nigeria’s longest running boxing tournament and on its 135th tournament it was rebranded to Boxing and MMA Hall Of Fame as it also carries on the development of the world’s fastest growing sport in Nigeria
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, who pass on at the age of 61.
Rufai was not just a national treasure but a global ambassador of Nigerian football. His fearless goalkeeping, unmatched charisma, and commitment to the green and white made him a symbol of pride and resilience for millions of Nigerians.
Reacting to the news of his passing, chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed deep sorrow:
“This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero, he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also paid tribute:
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian sports. His commitment to the game, both on and off the field, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts.”
A stalwart of the golden era of Nigerian football, Rufai played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 in both editions.
At the club level, he had an illustrious career across Europe, representing top teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—most notably Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF.
Beyond his heroics on the pitch, Peter Rufai was a mentor and a beacon of inspiration to younger generations. After retirement, he dedicated his life to discovering and nurturing budding football talents, remaining a pillar of support and guidance in the football community.
The NSC extends heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all those whose lives were touched by the great Dodo Mayana.
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has successfully hosted WT Level 2 (Higest Taekwondo Coaching Cadre Course) with about 40 taekwondo coaches drawn from different states and institutions across Nigeria.
The World Taekwondo designated Tarik Benradi from Morocco as the Course Resource person. Tarik Benradi doubles as the Chairman African Taekwondo Union Referees Department.
The course was declared open by the Chairman National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko. He was accompanied by senior officers of the NSC like the Director FEAD and many aides.
President Nigeria Taekwondo federation, Tayo Popoola was grateful for the rich support of the National Sports Commission.
The course covered core Taekwondo Coaching areas like Team Management, Athletes Psychology, Drug Education, Coaches Technical Knowledge of taekwondo contest rules etc. Physical, theoretical and visual means were employed to pass down instructions during the course.
All participants took an examination at the end of the course.
The Closing Ceremony was witnessed by the President NOC Engnr Habu Gumel.
Gumel promised to support the NTF if the next of such course could be hosted by Nigeria.
Nigeria will be hosting 2 World Taekwondo tournaments in August and September this year. Which are signs that Nigeria is gradually coming back to the taekwondo world map
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has congratulated the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
In a statement signed by NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the Federation expressed confidence that CGC Adeniyi will bring innovation and transformation to the WCO.
Nimrod noted that Adeniyi has significantly improved the fortunes of Nigeria Customs in a short time, adding that the global community will soon feel his positive impact.
He also highlighted Adeniyi’s strong support for sports, particularly volleyball, through consistent sponsorships.
“The entire board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation congratulates you on your election as Chairperson of the WCO Council,” the statement read.
“In just two years as CGC, you have not only boosted revenue collection and surpassed budgetary targets, but have also made substantial investments in volleyball.
“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service sponsored the 2024 Volleyball League and hosted the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, widely acclaimed as the best edition to date.
“We are confident you will exceed expectations at the WCO Council.”
CGC Adeniyi will officially assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
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