In a significant move for the sport of boxing in Africa, Boris Van Der Vorst, the President of the World Boxing Federation, is set to visit Nigeria from February 23 to 26, 2025.
This visit comes in response to the various challenges that boxing faces across the continent and represents an ongoing effort to engage with key boxing stakeholders to enhance the sport’s future in Africa.
President Van Der Vorst will kick off his visit upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Abuja on Sunday, February 23, followed by an official welcome ceremony. Subsequently, he plans to tour local boxing gyms, aiming to assess the current state of facilities and engage directly with athletes.
A highlight of the President’s itinerary includes a meeting with the Presidents of Boxing Federations from various African countries scheduled for 24th February. This gathering is expected to foster collaboration and strategies on advancing the sport at a continental level. The day will conclude with a formal dinner, providing an opportunity for networking and discussion among boxing officials.
On 25th February, President Van Der Vorst will pay courtesy visits to the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). These organisations play crucial roles in ensuring Nigeria’s representation on the global boxing stage, and discussions are anticipated to focus on the development of boxing infrastructure, the provision of standard training equipment, and the overall upliftment of boxing in the country.
The visit is seen as a vital opportunity to bring increased attention to boxing in Nigeria, with hopes of garnering support for improvements in training facilities and athlete performance. As President Van Der Vorst prepares to depart Nigeria on 26th February, the boxing community is optimistic that this visit will pave the way for a brighter future for the sport across Africa.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation in a statement expressed its enthusiasm for this landmark visit, highlighting the potential it holds for the sport both regionally and internationally.
