NBF distances itself from World Boxing, affirms loyalty to IBA

Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has denied claims that it has joined World Boxing, committing its "firm loyalty" to the International Boxing Association (IBA).

Nigeria was announced as the first member of World Boxing from the continent yesterday along with Finland, Iceland, Jamaica, Norway, and the Czech Republic.

However, NBF vice-president Azania Omo-Agege, in a statement circulated to African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) members seen by insidethegames, has denied the development.

"We reaffirm our firm loyalty to IBA the sole IOIOC-recognised national body and we stand in solidarity with the IBA family," Omo-Agege, who is also Acting President of AFBC, said.

Omo-Agege said the news of Nigeria joining World Boxing was circulated to "tarnish the image of AFBC and IBA" and "will be dealt with internally".

"I wish to make it unequivocally clear that the NBF dissociates itself from World Boxing," he continued.

"A significant decision of this magnitude can only be made by the Board and the Congress neither of which was convened.

"As the vice-president of NBF, I affirm I'm not aware of any rigorous application to join World Boxing."

The IBA, expelled by the International Olympic Committee, recently had a spat with AFBC, after the continental body's Congress to elect a new President this month in Durban was postponed due to a row over the list of candidates.

The list included Cameroon’s Bertrand Mendouga, who was forced out in August as AFBC President, after accusations of embezzlement.

AFBC announced later that they will conduct the elections on November 18 in Africa.