The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has announced its opposition to promoting transgender boxing in the country. Interim President Azania Omo-Agege expressed concerns over the proposed visit of Boris Vandervorst, President of the World Boxing Federation (WBF), who is expected to promote transgender boxing.
Omo-Agege criticized Vandervorst’s alleged support for transgender boxing, citing his decision to allow Algerian transgender boxer Imane Khalif to participate in the Paris Olympics. He emphasized that the majority of Nigerian boxers come from the military circle, where President Bola Tinubu has banned transgender individuals from serving.
The NBF president accused those championing transgender boxing of prioritizing personal interests over national concerns. He questioned why individuals who led Nigerian boxers to a disastrous doping test outing were still allowed in the Nigeria boxing circle.
Omo-Agege called on the Nigerian sporting authority to assess the issue critically, considering President Tinubu’s stance on transgender individuals. He commended the International Boxing Association (IBA) President, Umar Kremlev, for his support of Nigerian boxers, including a recent donation of 500 boxing gloves.
The NBF’s stance reflects the ongoing debate over transgender participation in sports. The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced plans to sue the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over transgender participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics, citing concerns over unfair competition.
