The maiden edition of the 2026 South-East Amateur Boxing Championship was officially declared open in Abia State amid renewed calls for the revival of boxing across the South-East region and a strong commitment to grassroots sports development.
The championship, which attracted athletes, coaches, officials, and sports stakeholders from the five South-East states, was described as a landmark initiative aimed at discovering new talents, restoring the region’s boxing heritage, and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel at national and international levels.
Declaring the championship open, the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, hailed the tournament as a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to develop grassroots sports and empower young people through athletics.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to the maiden edition of the South-East Amateur Boxing Championship taking place here in Abia State,” Ananaba said.
“This championship marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to develop grassroots sports and provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.”
The Commissioner commended the Abia State Boxing Association and South-East boxing stakeholders for their commitment to the growth of the sport, noting that their dedication made the championship a reality.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Chioma Otti for his unwavering support of sports development in the state.
“His administration has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to grassroots sports development, talent discovery, athlete empowerment, and the provision of opportunities for young people to excel,” he said.
According to Ananaba, sports remain a powerful instrument for youth engagement, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and regional integration.
“This championship is another testament to the Governor’s belief that sports remain a powerful tool for youth engagement, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and regional unity,” he stated.
Addressing the participating athletes, the Commissioner urged them to compete with discipline and respect for the rules of the sport.
“As you step into the ring, remember that true sportsmanship is not only about winning but also about discipline, respect, courage, and fair play.
“Compete with determination, uphold the rules of the game, and make your states, coaches, and families proud,” he said
He further encouraged participants to use the championship as an avenue for learning, self-improvement, and building friendships across the region.
The Commissioner officially declared the championship open, wishing all athletes a successful, injury-free, and rewarding competition.
In his remarks, the South-East Representative on the Board of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Mr. Nnamdi Oji, represented by sports consultant Mr. Paul Ngadiuba, lamented the decline of boxing in the South-East and expressed optimism that the championship would mark the beginning of a new era for the sport.
“Originally, boxing has not fared well with us for some years now, unlike in the days of late Obisia Nwankpa, Ngozika and Ekwelu,” he said.
“Surprisingly, they have all fizzled out, and Abia State is taking up the responsibility to reignite and rejuvenate sports, especially boxing, in the South-East and beyond.”
Ngadiuba disclosed that the absence of South-East athletes at recent national boxing trials was one of the factors that inspired efforts to revive the sport in the region.
“It beats my imagination that at the last National Boxing Trials, no single South-Easterner was present in Lagos with the Nigeria Boxing Federation. I felt bad and I was touched,” he said.
He expressed confidence that future national and international competitions would witness stronger South-East representation.
“I believe that by the next event, whether it is the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics or the National Sports Festival, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra will be ably represented through what we are doing here.”
Ngadiuba appealed to participants to embrace unity and sportsmanship throughout the championship.
“What we are doing here is bringing boxing back to life. No fighting outside the ring, no rancour. Feel free, be kind and be nice to one another.”
Also speaking at the event, the South-East Zonal Sports Representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Bernard Ezeama, commended Abia State for its consistency in hosting sporting events and investing in youth development.
“I’m really delighted with the way this sporting event is going on in Abia State and the response from the participating states,” Ezeama said.
He emphasized that boxing is a sport built on discipline and self-control.
“Boxing is a sport that is very exciting, but it requires discipline and self-control. That is the first thing every amateur boxer should understand.”
The NSC official described the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as one of the most vibrant ministries in the state.
“I can say that this is one of the most vibrant ministries in Abia State because everybody is seeing the impact of what is going on.”
Ezeama also highlighted the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development and assured organizers of continued support from national sports authorities.
“Abia State is structured and backed up with a lot of things that will enhance grassroots sports development. At the national level, we will continue to encourage and support such initiatives.”
He described Abia as the centre of sporting excellence in the South-East and predicted that the championship would serve as a platform for discovering future champions.
“We are going to discover talents here today for further grooming, and we will not hesitate to support those talents.”
Recalling the state’s rich boxing heritage, Ezeama noted that Abia had produced some of Nigeria’s finest boxers, including the legendary Obisia Nwankpa.
