BY Tony Ubani
Boxing, one of the sports that shot Nigeria into global reckoning but which is stuttering now has survived the first sucker punch in the on-going 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

Five Nigerian pugilists entered into the rings with three coming out with their noses in front. And Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, NBF, Dr Patrick Uwagbale heaved a sigh of relief and described their heroics as a good start.

All Africa Games mascot

“This is a good beginning for Nigeria. Our boxers made us proud and with what we have seen them do here, there is hope for Nigerian boxing. There are many fears on whether boxing can stand ferocious punches, but with this, we can go all the way”, an elated Scribe Dr Uwagbale said moments after the fight.

Nigerian Boxers went through the tough route with Agbaje Taiwo opening accounts on a losing note. He lost 16-14 to his Mauritius counterpart who hit more on target and gained the points. He came out crying because he was one of the best tipped to excel.

The second fight was not better either and fear gripped the officials and few Nigerians who watched in dismay. In the 60 kg class, Waheed Sogbamu lost to his Ugandan opponent 26-10. There was no tear to shed for him. Instead, many prayed that there would be no disaster.

But the next three fights brought relief as Ademuyiwa Kehinde beat his Seychelles counterpart 17-13 while in the 64kg, Ganiyu Muyideen won narrowly 8-7 against Uganda. But Nigerians regained their confidence when Akanji Muyideen climbed the ring in the 75kg turning his Rwandan opponent to a punching bag. He won 18-2.

 Team Trial Cycling cancelled as Team Nigeria weeps

While many athletes are battling it out on courts, sports politicians are also involved in their own boardroom fights at the on-going 10th All Africa Games in Maputo.

South Africa, one of Nigeria’s dreaded rivals in the Games seem to have gained an upper hand yesterday when officials cancelled Team Trial Cycling, a sport hitherto approved. Nigeria is a power-house in the sport and their Cyclists are here in full force only to be shocked that the sport has been expunged.

“It’s one of the dirty politics of African sport. Once you know the sport your opponents are strong in, you destabilize them by cancelling it”, one Nigerian official bemoaned.

And the Nigerians are pointing accusing fingers at South Africa who they alleged are ;providing virtually everything for the poor nation of Mozambique who are also reciprocating by doing their bidding.