Some boxing fans have expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun, who won the bronze medal in Tokyo, Japan in 1964.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that Maiyegun lived a legendary life and should be remembered to encourage the younger generation.
Rafiu Ladipo, the President, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), said Maiyegun left a legacy in the sands of time and should be remembered for his heroics.
“It was Maiyegun who first put Nigeria on the sport map by winning a bronze medal in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
“It was Nigeria’s first medal at the Olympics and any organised major competitions; it also opened the floodgates for other sporting milestones coming thereafter.
“He is a national hero that should be celebrated and honoured, but unfortunately, only a posthumous award can be given to him now,” Ladipo said.
Ladipo said the NBB of C would visit his family and thereafter announce what plans they have to immortalise Maiyegun.
President, West Africa Boxing Union, Remi Aboderin, said that several people have come and left but to remember Maiyegun was a great one.
He aid that Maiyegun came, saw and conquered and must be immortalised as a boxing great in the history of Nigeria.
Aboderin said that this would go a long way in inspiring younger generations in various sporting fields to be at their best.
“We have lost a great leader who contributed to the development of boxing and sports as a whole in Nigeria.
“It was his bravery at the Tokyo Olympics that opened the floodgates of medals to Nigeria.
“Maiyegun also continued and never looked back as he ventured into professional boxing and achieved a lot, he can’t be easily forgotten,” he said.
Aboderin said that a sporting monument in Maiyegun’s name should be built to inspire young and upcoming boxers and sports lovers. (NAN)
