Omo-Agege Criticizes IOC For Discrimination Against African Nations

Omo-Agege Criticizes IOC For Discrimination Against African Nations

Azania Omo-Agege, interim president of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), has accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of discriminating against African countries due to recent alterations in Olympic boxing weight categories, as reported by The IReporteronline…READ MORE…

Omo-Agege argues that the IOC’s decision to reduce the number of boxing categories has adversely impacted the chances of African nations winning medals at the Olympics.

“This change has not benefited Africa at all, as many of the eliminated weight categories were areas where African athletes excelled. Historically, Africa has secured between three to five medals at the Olympics. Since the adjustments, the continent has been limited to just one or two medals overall,” Omo-Agege expressed to our correspondent.

His remarks follow a disappointing outcome for the continent at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Algeria’s Imane Khelif was the only athlete to win a boxing medal, claiming gold in the -66kg category amid controversies surrounding transphobic harassment and gender issues.

The reduction in weight classes has forced athletes to make significant and rapid weight adjustments in order to compete, a situation that Omo-Agege finds unjust.

“When weight categories are cut, athletes are compelled to drastically change their weights to participate, which is neither fair nor equitable; it is discriminatory,” he stated.

Related News

• Governor calls for stronger democracies in Africa
• Japan contributes to Africa’s sustainable energy fund
• Inlaks supports Sub-Saharan growth in Africa

“I am advocating for the return of more categories where Africans traditionally have strengths, or at the very least, to reinstate the original weight classes,” he added.

Nigeria’s challenges in Olympic boxing were evident in Paris, where their last hope, Adam Olaore, was eliminated in the round of 16 in the men’s 92kg heavyweight category by Kazakhstan’s Aibek Oralbay. Additionally, Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s disqualification due to doping and Dolapo Omole’s injury withdrawal further extended Nigeria’s Olympic boxing medal drought, which has not seen a podium finish since Duncan Dokiwari’s bronze in Atlanta ’96.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Omo-Agege aims to revitalize the Nigerian Boxing League as part of a comprehensive strategy for long-term development.

“There is a perception that most of our boxers come from the streets. We are dedicated to changing that narrative, and we need consistent competition to achieve this,” he noted.

He also believes that the introduction of prize money from the International Boxing Association will incentivize boxers, stating, “With the newfound prize money from the International Boxing Association, boxers will be motivated to participate where they can earn a living. Increased competition will better prepare us for international events, ultimately setting us up for success at the Olympics.

For More Information And News Update, Join Ireporteronline WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaV4jB6DuMRgwqnJCF32 For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 09010649814 on Whatsapp