'Yakub Kareem Has Done Nigeria Proud'

Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Branch B, Oshodi, Comrade Owolabi John, has eulogised the new Commonwealth Super Flyweight champion, Yakub Kareem, for doing Nigeria proud.

The NURTW boss made the commendation at a brief reception held in honour of the new Commonwealth champion in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, John said the boxer has exhibited the Nigerian spirit in him by knocking out his opponent, Cobbinah Johnson in the seventh round in front of his people in Accra, Ghana.

“Kareem has indeed written his name in gold following the explosive performance he displayed in Ghana. Winning a Commonwealth title is a great feat that needs to be celebrated because it does not come every time,” John said.

John said there are many potential boxing champions on the streets wishing to express themselves as Kareem had done but there is nobody to encourage them to achieve their goals.

“I am happy that Kareem was able to win a Commonwealth title for the country. I want to remind Nigerians that there are many other Kareems wasting away because there is nobody to encourage them. These boxers should be encouraged for them to win honours for the country as Kareem has done,” he said.

John, however, appealed to corporate organisations to help in the development of the sport in Nigeria, saying it is a way of keeping the youth busy.

“Corporate organisations are not doing enough to promote boxing in the country. They have a big role to play for the sport to develop in Nigeria. Boxing needs their support to grow in the country,” John said.

—Bimbo Ajayi