Jeremiah Okorodudu, a former boxing champion, has revealed how boxing rave of the moment, Anthony Joshua, was rejected by Nigerian boxing officials nine years ago.
Joshua caught global attention and became a darling of boxing fans Saturday night after he humiliated Wladimir Klitschko, at the Wembley Stadium in England.
Speaking with UK Sun, Okorodud recalled that nine years back, Joshua’s efforts to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Olympic Games were futile as the Nigerian boxing officials turned him down.
He said, “Joshua was in Nigeria once to connect with his roots and I think that was in 2007.
“He wanted a chance to compete for trials ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics qualifiers, but he was denied and not given a chance.
“Disappointed, he went back to England to represent Great Britain.
“He went on to win a gold that could have been a first for Nigeria at the Olympics.
“If only they had allowed him to compete for Nigeria, that gold would have been a Nigerian gold and not Great Britain’s.”
Another Nigeria coach at the time, Adegboyega Adeniji-Adele also confirmed the fact that Joshua was at the Nigerian camp.
“Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua is his name and his family come from Ogun state in Nigeria,” he said.
“When he visited, his intention was to represent Nigeria at the Olympics but he was denied in the trials. He had no other option than to go to Britain.
“It’s Nigeria’s loss, Britain’s gain. Personally, I feel sad that they let him go and those people should be made to explain why it was impossible to give him a chance.”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/nigerian-boxing-officials-rejected-anthony-joshua/

Pls MOD help move to the right section

Baze1:
Pls MOD help move to the right section

you self nawa o....y u nor lemme b FTC ehh

EjimaQuintana:
you self nawa o....y u nor lemme b FTC ehh

You for tell me na. No worry. Next time

Medicine after death.

EjimaQuintana:
you self nawa o....y u nor lemme b FTC ehh

Dem dey use FTC collect money?

No One Knows Tomorrow

I know we'll soon start hearing shitty stories like this. By next week, we should also see headlines on how Joshua once hawked akara to make a living.

As for the assertion that he could have won the gold medal for Nigeria if given the chance, I disagree. Nigeria is known for working hard against the success of her citizens. And the fact that he wasn't given the chance is enough proof.

Here in our crappy country, a senator's nephew who can't knock out a pillow will be chosen over real boxing talents. And even if a real boxer is given the chance, the NBF will fail to release funds for his welfare and training tours because the foolish pot-bellied people in charge have stolen the funds meant for that.

nigeria is a dream killer country.
Thats one of the reasons why some people prefer to have their separate country.

Nothing works well in one nigeria.
Dreams of millions of people have been shattered by this destroyed country.

Also apc government has proven to be an imposter and fake.

webincomeplus:
I know we'll soon start hearing shitty stories like this. By next week, we should also see headlines on how Joshua once hawked akara to make a living.

As for the assertion that he could have won the gold medal for Nigeria if given the chance, I disagree. Nigeria is known for working hard against the success of her citizens. And the fact that he wasn't given the chance is enough proof.

Here in our crappy country, a senator's nephew who can't knock out a pillow will be chosen over real boxing talents. And even if a real boxer is given the chance, the NBF will fail to release funds for his welfare and training tours because the foolish pot-bellied people in charge have stolen the funds meant for that.

true

If Nigeria is an human being,she will be a mad person.

This is unbelievable that they rejected him. When you have talent come you chase them away to foreign lands to people that appreciate talent. I wonder who they snubbed him for?

Give this front Page.

Blue3k:

Give this front Page.

Mynd44 lalastical

Before u start commenting foolishly, ask ursef: Nigeria is known for favoring foreign athletes to locals, Y was he rejected?

I watched the interview of Mr nwakpa on ESPN and he gave his reasons and he was right

Reminds me the story of David Alaba that was sent back from the Under 17 camp years ago because he doesn't have boots.

now he is a champ

webincomeplus:
I know we'll soon start hearing shitty stories like this. By next week, we should also see headlines on how Joshua once hawked akara to make a living.

As for the assertion that he could have won the gold medal for Nigeria if given the chance, I disagree. Nigeria is known for working hard against the success of her citizens. And the fact that he wasn't given the chance is enough proof.

Here in our crappy country, a senator's nephew who can't knock out a pillow will be chosen over real boxing talents. And even if a real boxer is given the chance, the NBF will fail to release funds for his welfare and training tours because the foolish pot-bellied people in charge have stolen the funds meant for that.

ESPN gave a different story...... It was Joshua's fault..... The reporter was amazed because Nigeria is widely known for favouring foreign athletes compared to locals

Let me try my Luck in Golf

But if am regetted,GREAT BRITAIN would be my next stop.

juman:
nigeria is a dream killer country.
Thats one of the reasons why some people prefer to have their separate country.

Nothing works well in one nigeria.
Dreams of millions of people have been shattered by this destroyed country.

Also apc government has proven to be an imposter and fake.

oga , the story I read on ESPN sports says Joshua came late to trials and after the trials have been concluded...... Who do u blame?

Omoluabi Omo ogun Omo WA ni

He was not good enough then. He improved since.Kini big deal.

Mike Tyson never got to the Olympics

shitty stories. That guy was a bricklayer in the U.K before venchuring into boxing. I knew it this jazz will come up.

Awon OLORIBURUKU Naija Sporting Commission

una don dey mad...

Na today that kind attitude start? Crazy people, sit down there till the talented products of this country go elsewhere...

Joshua, ayam coming jàre..

Assuming he's representing Nigeria he might not improve

Not a surprise. Is it not this country filled with nepotism?

Still exactly the same situation today, if not worse.

He would have been a nobody by now. Good he was rejected. Clowns

truly 9ja's loss

Tribalism and nepotism may have caused it