Nigeria’s national welterweight champion, Michael Ikechukwu (Odogwu) has raised alarm over the current state of the pugilist’s sport and submitted that boxing in the country is like hell fire.

Sports247 reports that the outspoken pugilist, who had his first professional fight in 2021, lamented over the low amounts that Nigerian boxers currently get as contract fees after their bouts.

Ikechukwu spilt the beans on the sordid state of professional boxing in Nigeria while speaking on Athlete’s Corner segment of Sports247’s television programme, Inside Naija Sports.

He added during the programme that airs weekly on YouTube and NTA News24 that Nigerian boxers are in the sport just because of passion they have for it, while relying on other jobs to stay alive

‘Odogwu’ recalled that he actually ventured into boxing five years ago after he was motivated by a dramatic scene he observed at Lagos National Stadium.

“Back then, I used to go for swimming sessions at the National Stadium. One day, I saw a female boxer fighting a male boxer, and she was doing it very well.

“I was amazed to see what a woman could do against a man. So, I went to the coach and asked how I could join his club. He agreed to take me, and I quickly registered.

“It was not easy at the beginning and, even after three months, I kept on having bruises and cuts; but I didn’t give up. I had a lot of passion for it.

“I even told myself that one day, I’ll not only be national champion, but I will also be world champion. I thank God that I’m now a national champion in my weight category,” Ikechukwu retorted.

However, while revealing his strong passion for the sport and how he has grown since his professional debut in 2021, ‘Odogwu’ confessed that the biggest challenge for him is the issue of paltry payments handed to boxers in Nigeria.

“I’m happy with my journey so far in boxing. It’s now five years for me, but I just have to confess that, in Nigeria, boxing is hell.

“Yes, boxing is like hell fire in Nigeria, but I’ve enjoyed my five years in it because I love boxing with a strong passion. Many of us like the sport, but Nigeria is not helping us.

“Number one, the income we get as boxers is too low. It’s interesting to be a boxer but, in Nigeria, you must have a side-job in order to stay alive.

“That’s why so many Nigerian boxers go back to drive keke Marwa or ride okada after fighting in the ring. I also have my own side business that I’m doing.

“Without that side-job, I won’t be looking good. In fact, I would be like a rag. That’s because I’m not surviving on boxing money, but I have the passion to continue because I believe, one day, I’ll be a world champion,” Ikechukwu concluded.

Before the start of the 2026 WAFCON, some critics had argued that the expansion of the championship to 16 teams would lower the technical standard of the tournament and the characteristic excitements.

And ahead of the quater-finals stage, Sports Chronicle Magazine sought the views of a renowned sportspreneur and an investor in women and youth football development, Ayodele Thomas, on the ongoing championship.

He shared his views on the performances of the Super Falcons, so far, in the championship. He began by stating that the performances of the reigning WAFCON champions, the Super Falcons, have been encouraging.

“I would describe the Super Falcon’s performance so far, as encouraging, but inconsistent. The opening defeat was disappointing, particularly for the defending champions.

It exposed some defensive weaknesses. However, the team showed very good character in the subsequent games and the 6-2 victory over Egypt, was a significant statement of their attacking quality.”

Concerning the Super Falcons’ quater-finals clash against arch-rivals, he acknowledged that the Lionesses of Cameroon poses a great threat to the Nigerian women, considering their physicality and competitiveness.

“The Cameroon gave is a very serious test for Nigeria and one of the biggest rivalries in African women’s football. Historically, these matches have rarely been straightforward.

“On paper, Nigeria should have the quality and experience to win, particularly, because of the depth of the squad and the attacking options available.

But Cameroon will provide a completely different challenge from Egypt. They are physically strong, competitive and capable of making the game difficult for Nigeria.

“For me, the key to the match will be Nigeria’s defensive discipline and ability to control the midfield. We cannot afford to concede cheap goals and then rely on our attacking players to rescue the game. However, I would expect Nigeria to have the advantage,” he quipped.

Thomas, who is the President of TopPro Sports Management Company, went ahead to describe the standard of tournament as high and competitive.

“I think the overall standard of the 2026 WAFCON has been noticeably higher and more competitive than in previous editions,” he noted.

“The expansion to 16 teams, has provided more countries with the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level, and we are seeing less of the traditional gap between the established powers and the emerging teams.

The results and performances have shown that African women’s football is becoming increasingly competitive.

“Overall, I would say the tournament is competitive, entertaining and increasingly difficult to predict. Which is exactly what you want from a major continental championship.

“The fact that Nigeria, despite being the defending champions and the most successful nation in WAFCON history, had to fight hard to reach the quarterfinals is itself evidence of how competitive the women’s game in Africa has become,” Thomas remarked conclusively.