Fadilat, Babatunde Emerge Victorious in Nigerian Boxing Federation Elections

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

A new dawn has broken for Nigerian boxing as Tijani Fadilat Morenikeji and Laguda Babatunde Abdulrahman stormed to victory in the just-concluded Nigerian Boxing Federation elections.

They secured the coveted seats of Players’ Representative and Technical Representative respectively.

In a fiercely contested race, Fadilat—a national heroine with a decorated boxing résumé—triumphed over Oboraeh Kehinde Joy by 21 votes to 9.

The victory earned her the trust of her peers to champion the voices of athletes at the federation’s top table. Laguda Abdulrahman, equally dominant, claimed the technical representatives’ position with 21 votes, leaving Daniel Adekunle Faseso (7 votes) and Ajoke Olusegun (2 votes) trailing behind.

Overwhelmed with joy, Fadilat called her victory “a dream fulfilled,” vowing to fight for the welfare and recognition of Nigerian boxers. “As a boxer, I know the sacrifices—the brutal training, the weight battles, the discipline,” she said. “I have lived it, and now I will make sure every boxer’s struggle translates into opportunities and rewards.”

Her record speaks volumes: gold medals at Kaduna 2009, Lagos 2012, Abuja 2018, and Edo 2021 National Sports Festivals, plus international glory with a bronze medal at the 2019 All Africa Games and gold in Cameroon 2020 before turning professional.

Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Laguda framed his victory as a watershed moment for the sport, promising sweeping reforms and renewed energy at the grassroots. “This election is about progress and change,” he declared. “In four years, boxing in Nigeria will not be the same.

From constant seminars and workshops to international exchange programs, we are bringing boxing back to life—especially in the northern region where it has almost disappeared.”