Abia defeats Ebonyi as South East boxing championship opens in Umuahia

Abia State’s inaugural South East amateur boxing championship began at Umuahia township stadium, where Chidiebere Chukwuemeka of Abia State defeated Chigbo Aguiyi from Ebonyi State.

In another bout, Israel Ogbodo of Enugu State beat Ayu Jonah of Imo State, winning by unanimous decision from the officials.

Board member of the National Sports Commission, Benard Nzeama, addressed the opening ceremony, stating that the federal government, through the commission, is committed to identifying and nurturing raw talent in boxing and other sports.

Nzeama added that every talent identified at the South East amateur boxing championship will be developed into future stars for the region and the country, and he thanked the Abia State government for its grassroots sports initiatives.

During their remarks, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, and Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, explained that the championship was organized by the state government to uncover hidden boxing talent in the region.

They noted that Governor Alex Otti is keen on developing all sports sectors in the state, and that the championship will help Abia State and the wider South East produce new boxing champions for Nigeria.

The officials highlighted that sports serve as a powerful tool for the state government to create jobs, promote peace, and deter teenagers from deviant activities.

After his win, Chidiebere Chukwuemeka told DAILY POST, “I am hungry to represent the South East and Nigeria at international boxing championships and I am avoiding every distraction.”

The men’s and women’s divisions of the championship will continue today, Thursday.