Ogun boxers step up preparations for maiden National Intermediate Games

Posted : 12 August 2026

Ogun State has intensified preparations for the maiden National Intermediate Games with a boxing tournament aimed at assessing young athletes ahead of the national event. The 16th edition of the Wale Edun Boxing Hall of Fame was staged at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta, at the weekend.

The competition featured boxers in the 15 to 19 age bracket and provided another platform for the state to identify athletes capable of representing Ogun in Lagos. The National Intermediate Games will run from October 1 to 15 across various centres in Lagos.

In the men's bouts, Adedokun Basit defeated Oladele Waris 3-2 by split decision in the 47kg category. Adeniran Quyum secured a unanimous 5-0 victory over Najeem Rasaq in the 60kg class, while Atanda Ayomide also recorded a 5-0 win against Olanipekun Sofiu in the 55kg division.

The women's contests produced similarly competitive results. Ganiyat Lawal defeated Oyinkansola Odesanya 5-0 in the 54kg category, while Roqibat Alayande edged Khadijat Hassan 4-1 in the 47kg class. Sukurat Taiwo also recorded a 4-1 split-decision victory over Omotayo Salaudeen in the 50kg division.

Other bouts saw Adewale Idris stop Najeem Roqib in the second round of their 40kg contest. Abdul-Salam Fatiu completed another 5-0 unanimous-decision victory against Michael Omotayo in the 60kg category.

Acting Director of Sports Seyi Sonde, officials of the Ogun State Sports Council and other stakeholders attended the tournament. The event formed part of the state's wider preparations for the first National Intermediate Games, which was created to strengthen the pathway between grassroots competitions and elite sport.

The National Sports Commission has described the Games as a transition platform for athletes aged 16 to 19. The competition is designed to give young athletes who have progressed beyond the National Youth Games a structured route towards senior national competition.

Lagos, the host state, has also stepped up its preparations. The state has already begun screening athletes through school competitions, while the Main Organising Committee and Local Organising Committee have continued work on the tournament's organisation and facilities.

The inaugural Games will feature 15 compulsory sports and are expected to provide a major talent-identification platform. The NSC has also announced plans for invited diaspora athletes to participate, with about 50 athletes expected to compete under the initiative.

Ogun's boxing programme therefore gives the state's emerging fighters an early test before the national competition. The performances in Abeokuta will provide coaches and officials with useful information as they shape the final squad for Lagos.

Ogun boxers step up preparations for maiden National Intermediate Games

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