27th August, 2024
By Babatunde Ogunrinde/By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh and some boxing fans have paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun, who died on Monday at the age of 85.
Maiyegun died just days after the 60th anniversary of his remarkable achievement at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he won a bronze medal in boxing.
Competing in the Light Middleweight (71 kg) category, he shared the bronze medal with Poland’s Józef Grzesiak after both athletes lost in the semifinals, as per Olympic tradition.
While paying tribute to the Olympian, Enoh in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Diana-Mary Nsan on Tuesday acknowledged the late boxer’s monumental contribution to Nigerian sports.
The Minister who offered his condolences to the Maiyegun family and the entire Nigerian sports community noted that the deceased’s achievement in 1964 was not just a win for himself but a victory for all Nigerians.
“His legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian sports excellence will never be forgotten.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true legend, a man who not only broke barriers but also set the standard for what is possible for Nigerian athletes on the global stage.
His perseverance and spirit have inspired generations, and we are committed to honoring his memory by continuing to support and develop sports in Nigeria. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, ” the minister said.
“Maiyegun made history as the first Nigerian to win an Olympic medal, as his success paved the way for future generations of Nigerian athletes and marked a significant milestone in the country’s sports history.
“His life and achievements remain a source of inspiration for many, highlighting the importance of resilience, dedication, and national pride.
“The death of the legend is a significant loss to Nigeria and the global sporting community, and he will be fondly remembered as a trailblazer who set the stage for future Olympic successes,” the Minister said.
Also, in separate interviews, some boxing fans noted that Maiyegun lived a legendary life and should be remembered to encourage the younger generation while recalling his feat in Tokyo, Japan in 1964.
They also urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late boxer.
Rafiu Ladipo, the President, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), said Maiyegun left a legacy in the sands of time and should be remembered for his heroics.
“It was Maiyegun who first put Nigeria on the sport map by winning a bronze medal in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
“It was Nigeria’s first medal at the Olympics and any organised major competitions; it also opened the floodgates for other sporting milestones coming thereafter.
“He is a national hero that should be celebrated and honoured, but unfortunately only a posthumous award can be given to him now,” Ladipo said.
Ladipo said the NBB of C would visit his family and thereafter announce what plans they have to immortalise Maiyegun.
Remi Aboderin , the President, West Africa Boxing Union said that several people have come and left but to remember Maiyegun was a great one.
He aid that Maiyegun came, saw and conquered and must be immortalised as a Boxing great in the history of Nigeria.
Aboderin said that this would go a long way in inspiring younger generations in various sporting fields to be at their best.
“We have lost a great leader who contributed to the development of boxing and sports as a whole in Nigeria.
“It was his bravery at the Tokyo Olympics that opened the floodgates of medals to Nigeria.
Maiyegun also continued and never looked back as he ventured into professional boxing and achieved a lot, he can’t be easily forgotten,” he said.
Aboderin said that a sporting monument in Maiyeguns`s name should be built to inspire young and upcoming boxers and sports lovers.
(NAN)
