Sports

Sports Festival: Imo Boxer Dies in Ring, Coach Blames Medics

Published

3 years ago

December 7, 2022

Eric

Following the death of boxer Chukwuemeka Igboanugo at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday, a boxing coach has blamed the medical personnel at the venue for their treatment and inaction that could have saved the athlete’s life.

Igboanugo, who was representing Imo State, was said to have passed out after he received multiple punches in the chin from Anambra’s Gaby Amagor in their 86kg category bout.

The referee thereupon ended the fight after he failed to recover.

“He was immediately taken out of the ring for medical treatment before being rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” a boxing official stated.

But Borno State coach, Endurance Aberegidi, who was at the venue when the boxer was knocked down, told our correspondent what happened in the ring on Monday and how the boxer gave up the ghost.

“It was a pathetic situation. These guy trained for years and after getting a national opportunity, he then dies in the ring,” he said.

“I was in the ring side when he fell and the medics rushed in and tried to revive him. He slightly responded and they took him to the emergency unit, then they asked for the boxer’s coach.

“I walked up to them and they told me that the boy was not responding to treatment,” Aberegidi said.

The coach told our correspondent how much time they wasted in looking for the Imo coach, instead of treating Igboanugo immediately.

“They were looking for the coach for over 20 minutes as the boy was not responding to treatment. I don’t know why they wasted so much time to treat the boy. They should have focused on treating him. They said the boy didn’t allow anyone to treat him and after a short while, they came back and said he had given up the ghost,” he said.

Lagos State boxer, Israel Makinde, lamented Igboanugo’s death.

“It’s weird, it’s so painful. But I am not scared, I think you must be aware of your health before the fight and so I am trying to prepare for my semi-final clash in the flyweight tomorrow,” he said.

Sports

CAF Acknowledges Akor Adams’ Goal Tribute to DR Congo Superfan

Published

10 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Eric

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has publicly acknowledged Super Eagles striker Akor Adams following his goal celebration in Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Adams scored Nigeria’s second goal against the Desert Foxes, making amends for earlier missed chances and helping the Super Eagles secure a place in the semifinals.

However, it was his celebration, rather than the finish itself, that drew widespread attention across the continent.

Tribute to DR Congo superfan

After finding the net, the Sevilla forward marked the moment with a gesture inspired by DR Congo superfan Mboladinga ‘Lumumba’.

The Congolese supporter has become a familiar figure at the tournament for standing throughout all DR Congo matches as a tribute to the legacy of former prime minister Patrice Lumumba.

Adams’ celebration mirrored Mboladinga’s stance, a move widely interpreted as a sign of respect and solidarity beyond national lines. The moment resonated with fans and officials alike, quickly gaining traction on social media.

CAF Reaction and fan response

CAF highlighted the gesture on its official X account, sharing an image of Adams’ celebration alongside a brief but pointed message. “Standing still. Akor.,” the continental body wrote.

The post prompted a wave of reactions from football fans across Africa. A user identified as @MrChirenga commented, “Love the fact that Africans are becoming more and more united fam … Love from Zimbabwe.”

Another fan, @abuagoody, praised Adams’ qualities, writing, “Such an impressive player. The last players that played like him for Nigeria are John Utaka, Brown Ideye and Uche.”

Others focused on Adams’ technical ability, with @MouxCaa adding, “Akor Adams is a type of player you see touching the ball and you automatically know it’s a professional footballer.”

Sports

AFCON 2025: BUA Group Chair Rewards Super Eagles with $1.5m for Beating Algeria

Published

10 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Eric

Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has announced a substantial financial reward for the Super Eagles following their 2–0 win over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final on Saturday.

In a congratulatory message to the team, Rabiu praised the players for their outstanding performance, saying the victory lifted the spirit of Nigerians and renewed national pride as the team advances in the tournament.

To spur the Super Eagles on ahead of the semi-finals, the BUA president pledged USD $500,000 to the players if they win the semi-final match, with an additional USD $50,000 bonus for every goal scored in that game.

Rabiu also announced an even larger incentive should Nigeria go on to win the tournament.

According to the pledge, the team will receive USD $1,000,000 for winning the final, alongside USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the title match.

He wished the players continued success as they carry Nigeria’s hopes into the latter stages of the competition, urging them to keep making the nation proud.

The Super Eagles will now focus on their AFCON semi-final clash as support and excitement continue to grow nationwide following their impressive victory over Algeria.

Sports

Renowned Boxer Anthony Joshua Survives Ghastly Road Accident

Published

2 weeks ago

December 29, 2025

Eric

World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday survived a ghastly road accident in Makun, Ogun State.

Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two persons were said to have died on the spot.