Ex International Boxer,
Mazi Ikechukwu Okoronkwo has called for urgent investigations into why the Nigeria Boxing Federation failed to select deserving Athletes including Heavyweight boxers, to the ongoing Commonwealth Games.
Mazi Okoronkwo in a release alleged that winners of the National Trials, such as UK-based Kenneth Anigboro, who represented Enugu State at the trials, and others were left out of the competition without justification.
He claimed that leaving out proven athletes who earned their places through transparent trials raises serious questions about transparency, fairness, accountability, and the commitment of the federation to projecting Nigeria positively on the international stage.
He wrote: “I call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately set up a proper investigation into the activities of sports federations that failed to deliver good performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
Where any federation is found to have failed in its mandate, the board should be declared unfit and dissolved. Government appointments are for the service of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion, region, or personal connections.
“This act does not represent the interest of Nigerian youths and sports development.
Speaking further sports development, he charged all Nigerians and Africans to embrace the true spirit of unity, peace, and sportsmanship in their dealings
“Sports should unite us, not divide us. It is designed to promote discipline, talent development, national pride, and healthy competition not to be used as a tool for intimidation, personal vendetta, or instigation.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals are now using their personal connections and influence to drag law enforcement agencies into sports matters. Whereas sports-related disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and other recognized sports tribunals, not the police or other security agencies.
“This practice is not in the interest of fairness or the spirit of sportsmanship. Using state institutions to witch-hunt or take undue advantage of others in sports administration is wrong, unethical, and sets a dangerous precedent for the future of sports in Nigeria and Africa,” he warned.
The Ex-International challenged the government, sports administrators, athletes, and all stakeholders to put the interest of the country first, above personal interests and politics.
Mazi Okoronkwo pleaded: “Let us protect the integrity of Nigerian sports and ensure that only those who are competent, patriotic, and committed to delivering results are entrusted with leadership.”
