2022 NSF: Delta condoles family of late boxing contingent

By Emeka Akataobi

Delta State Government has commiserated with the family of late 25-years-old Chukwuemeka Iboanugo, who died while participating in a boxing competition at the ongoing National Sports Festival in the State.

The State Commissioner of Information and sub committee chairman on publicity of the 2022 NSF, Mr Charles Aniagwu sent the condolence message today, while briefing journalists at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Aniagwu who explained what transpired before the demise of the late 81 category boxer said “a day before they fought, the deceased came and was observed by the medics and some how the blood pressure wasn’t normal, he was asked to leave. Thereafter he returned after a while. The blood pressure had returned to normal but was asked before proceeding for the game he should return again for another check which unfortunately he didn’t do and by the time the game started it was discovered he had a little bleeding from the nose”.

“Some other development must have occurred internally at that moment we need the approval of not only the boxing federation, we will also need that of the Imo state contingent led by the officials as well as the immediate family for one to proceed to conduct autopsy , because you can’t do that without the approval of his immediate family”.He said.
He extended to the commiseration to the government of Imo State, contingents to the body of athletes of Nigeria, the boxing federation of Nigeria.
Speaking further, he said “ it is suspected that what they call intracranial bleeding may have occurred possibly during the time of the boxing competition adding that “immediately he fell, he was rushed to the clinic and later discovered it was beyond clinic matters and he was taken to Asaba Specialist Hospital where at that point he was confirmed dead”.
Aniagwu who extended to the State’ commiseration to the government of Imo State, contingents from Imo, body of athletes of Nigeria as well as the boxing federation of Nigeria enjoined all to observe a minute silent for the late boxer, noting he died a hero

He also gave a highlight of the medal list where Delta was leading with as much as 146 gold with a total medal haul of 275 while the closest rival is Bayelsa with a total number of 40 gold

He appreciated Bayelsa and Edo for coming close to Delta “If you want to talk about sports in Nigeria you think about South South. We are not only rich in oil, we are also reach in sports and that is why those who are not from this zone will always have the cause to return and we will always welcome you” He said.