The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended the Lagos State Government for what he described as a remarkable transformation of the state’s sporting infrastructure, following an inspection visit to the newly rehabilitated Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

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Hon. Adeboye, who toured the facility, expressed delight at the quality of work executed, particularly the installation of a natural grass playing surface built to international standards, describing the development as a major boost to sports development in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Presidential aide noted that the impressive rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium, alongside the continued upgrade of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, and the excellent condition of the Agege Stadium, demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing modern sporting facilities capable of nurturing talents and hosting major local and international competitions.

“World-class facilities are the foundation of world-class athletes. What I have seen here at the Teslim Balogun Stadium is truly commendable. The quality of work, especially the natural grass pitch and the overall standard of the facility, reflects a genuine commitment to sports development.”

Hon. Adeboye praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising sports infrastructure as part of his administration’s developmental agenda, noting that quality facilities remain one of the most important ingredients for discovering and developing future champions.

He also applauded the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, and his team for their dedication and effective supervision of the rehabilitation projects, which he said have restored confidence in Lagos as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting destinations.

According to the SSA, the renewed look of Teslim Balogun Stadium and the impressive condition of Agege Stadium are clear indications that Lagos is reclaiming its place as the home of sports excellence in Nigeria.

“Lagos is setting an example for other states to follow. When government deliberately invests in quality sporting infrastructure, it creates opportunities for talent discovery, athlete development and the successful hosting of major competitions. This is the kind of investment that guarantees long-term success in sports.”

Hon. Adeboye stressed that modern facilities are essential to the Federal Government’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports development, explaining that young athletes can only maximise their potential when they train and compete in environments that meet international standards.

He reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to expanding access to quality sporting infrastructure across the country as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, with particular emphasis on grassroots sports development.

The Presidential aide disclosed that his office is already advancing plans to improve sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, including the proposed construction of community and school sports facilities across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, to ensure that talented young Nigerians have access to quality environments where they can develop their abilities.

“Our vision is to replicate this kind of infrastructure development across Nigeria. Every community deserves functional sporting facilities because that is where champions are discovered. If we are serious about producing future Olympians, world champions and football stars, then we must continue investing in quality infrastructure from the grassroots.”

Hon. Adeboye expressed optimism that the continued collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments and the private sector would accelerate the growth of Nigerian sports and provide a sustainable foundation for future generations of athletes.

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.