Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its leading status in sports administration on the African continent, as the Inaugural African Boxing Congress was held in Lagos.
History was made at the event on Saturday, December 28th, in GRA Ikeja, as Omonlei Imadu, vice president of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), was elected vice president of the continental body.
The landmark event organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation witnessed the participation of over thirty countries on the continent. The congress held in Lagos state is a significant milestone towards strengthening governance, unity, and global competitiveness within African boxing.
Solomon Desmond Kargbo (Sierra Leone) was elected president, while Anta Gueye (Senegal) emerged as second vice president. Cyprien Tamo Tamo (Madagascar) will serve as Secretary General.
Other members of the board are: Alaeldin Alfaith (Sudan) Lamptey George (Ghana) Dirang Thipe – (Bostwana) and Awil Gele – (Somalia).
The congress also announced the organisation of the first-ever African Boxing League to begin in 2026. The framework for the league was unveiled at a gala night held at the Providence Hotel in GRA, Ikeja.
The newly elected president, Solomon Kargbo, said the board will work on the aims and objectives of the continental body assiduously in line with the framework of World Boxing.
“This congress is a significant milestone to change the trajectory of the squared ropes sports on the continent. We would implement several programs to support the respective national federations to grow the sports.
“We are creating a new trajectory for African boxers to dominate at the global stage, including the Olympics. These things are achievable with the board we have in place.” Kargbo added.
The vice president, Omonlei Imadu, said Africa will experience a significant advancement in the squared ropes sports with African Boxing now fully inaugurated.
“I make bold to say that the trajectory is about to change, Africa will experience an exponential growth in boxing like never before, and most importantly, I am happy that my beloved nation, Nigeria, is now the centre of the decision-making body on the continent” Imadu stated.
As part of its resolutions, Congress announced the establishment of the African Boxing headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.