Nigeria's boxers leave for Youth Olympic trials
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The Nigerian boxing contingent to the Youth Olympic qualifiers in Azerbaijan from April 20 to May 2 left the country on Monday for the competition.
Femi Laguda, assistant coach of the Nigeria Boxing Federation ( NBF), told newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos that the contingent left Nigeria late via a Turkish Airline flight.
He said the contingent was made up of six boxers and three officials.
The boxers are Mutiu Olaide (51kg), Taiwo Agbaje (54kg), Kazeem Oliwo (57kg), Waheed Shogbamu (60kg), Railwan Oladosu (64kg) and Muideen Akanji (75).
The three officials are Idika Nsofor, technical adviser, Coach Ajani Aremu and Patrick Uwagbale, NBF Secretary.
Laguda said the NBF President, Rotimi George-Taylor, would join the team on Wednesday.
Airport officials said the contingent was allowed to travel after the no-flight order resulting from the volcanic eruption in Europe was partially lifted.
"It is only those going to Western Europe who is not allowed to travel out of the country as a result of the volcanic eruption," the officials said.
The boxers were selected based on their performance in their various weight categories at the national trials in Lagos in March.
Laguda said the boxers had been given necessary training to withstand the challenges of the competition.
"I am optimistic that they will scale through and qualify for the Youth Olympics," he told reporters.
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