The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control NBBofC, in partnership with Balmoral Group, has launched a 3-day training course for boxing referees and judges at the Brai Ayanote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The training, fully sponsored by Balmoral Group’s CEO Ezekiel Adamu, aims to enhance officiating standards in Nigerian boxing. NBBofC President Dr. Rafiu Ladipo emphasized the importance of quality officiating for the sport’s growth.
“It’s a big thing that is happening, and that goes to show how serious we are taking boxing in this country and how serious Balmoral boxing promotion is in helping us to promote boxing, so we’re happy for it,” Ladipo reveals.
Training To Revive Nigerian Boxing
Barnor, a 5-star official, expressed satisfaction with attendance and expects significant improvements.
“I’m glad about the attendance. I was surprised to get that kind of number of attendees on the first day, and we’re looking forward to more. At the end of the day, all we want is quality,” the Ghanaian said.
“We’ll definitely have the quality we’re talking of, and then Nigerian boxing will get to where it’s supposed to get his beat to his past glory. Getting that job wasn’t to get his past glory when Nigeria had the likes of Charles Nwokolo, Bash Ali, Samuel Peter, and others”.
NBBofC Secretary General Remi Aboderin hailed the training as crucial for raising Nigerian boxing to international standards.
“This training is a crucial investment in our officials’ development. We’re not just teaching rules; we’re building capacity for better decision-making and more professional officiating in Nigerian boxing,” Aboderin said.
NBBofC: Participants Praises Impact
Meanwhile, Participants, including former champion Adewunmi Babatunde and referee Oluseyi George, praised the interactive sessions and expertise shared by Barnor. “We have one of the best, probably the best referee in Africa. Even from the initial session, he’s been able to impart a lot. Questions that we had, he has answered very well,” George said.
“There’s no country that can develop more than the level of their education. For us to have better boxing in Nigeria, we need a standard of training. And to have a standard education, we need a refresher course like this,” Adewunmi Babatunde said.
The training, which began on Tuesday, November 5, and will run until Thursday, November 7, features renowned Ghanaian boxing official Rogers Barnor as the lead instructor.
Furthermore, It includes theoretical and practical sessions, with certification upon completion.
