President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family and friends of boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa, who passed away on Monday at the age of 75.
Nwankpa represented Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, competing in the light-welterweight division, according to a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman.
President Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s sporting community and the nation at large would long remember the legendary boxer and coach for the honour he brought to the country and the thrilling moments he delivered to fans throughout his career.
“The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for nurturing a new generation of boxers after retiring from active competition, including leading Nigeria’s boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics,” he said.
Nwankpa won gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, competing in the same welterweight division.
He held several prestigious titles, including Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union (ABU) Light-Welterweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Nwankpa’s soul and for divine comfort for all who mourn him.
