President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Obisia Nwankpa, one of Nigeria’s most revered boxers, who passed away on June 2, 2025, after a long illness.
In a statement released on Monday, June 23rd, the President described Nwankpa as “a pride of Nigerian sports and a global ambassador of boxing,” recalling his historic fights across the globe and his later years as a boxing administrator and mentor.
Nwankpa, known as “the Gentle Giant,” rose to continental fame in the 1970s and 80s, clinching the African lightweight and welterweight titles and representing Nigeria at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He later served as the national boxing coach and led numerous grassroots programs to nurture young fighters.
President Tinubu said Nwankpa’s passing is a “monumental loss to the Nigerian sporting community” and called for his memory to be immortalized through investments in youth boxing academies.
Funeral arrangements are ongoing, with the Ministry of Youth and Sports expected to partner with the family on memorial events.
TINUBU MOURNS LEGENDARY BOXER OBISIA NWANKPA, HAILS HIS LEGACY
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