Ogun State Gears Up for National Intermediate Games

Ogun State is getting ready for the National Intermediate Games set to take place in Lagos from October 1 to 15. The Ogun State Boxing Association wrapped up the 16th edition of the Wale Edun Boxing Hall of Fame over the weekend, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

This competition, backed by former Minister of Finance Wale Edun, happened at the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta. It aimed to prepare the state’s young boxers aged 15 to 19 for the national event.

In the matches held, Adedokun Basit narrowly beat Oladele Waris in the 47kg class by a split decision of 3-2. Adeniran Quyum had a strong performance in his 60kg fight against Najeem Rasaq, winning by unanimous decision of 5-0. Atanda Ayomide also won decisively, defeating Olanipekun Sofiu with a unanimous 5-0 score in the 55kg bout.

In the women's category, Ganiyat Lawal won against Oyinkansola Odesanya by a unanimous decision of 5-0 in the 54kg class. Roqibat Alayande beat Khadijat Hassan with a split decision of 4-1 in the 47kg match. Sukurat Taiwo also triumphed over Omotayo Salaudeen by the same 4-1 score in the 50kg class.

In other matches, Adewale Idris knocked out Najeem Roqib in the second round of the 40kg contest. Abdul-Salam Fatiu also secured a unanimous decision victory over Michael Omotayo in the 60kg match with a score of 5-0.

Seyi Sonde, the Acting Director of Sports, along with officials from the State Sports Council and other stakeholders, attended the competition. This event is part of the buildup for the first National Intermediate Games. This new competition was introduced by the National Sports Commission to help young athletes move from grassroots to higher levels in sports.

Lagos State, the host for this first edition, is also busy with its preparations. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently inspected facilities alongside the Main Organising Committee. Rehabilitation work is ongoing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, which is expected to be completed by September.