Former AAG medallist, Kayode, wants Nwankpa in boxing team

WITH Nigerian boxers set for the London 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers in Morocco, 2007 All Africa Games (AAG) silver medallist, Lateef Kayode, has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to include coach Obisia Nwankpa in the technical crew.Kayode told The Guardian yesterday that he was surprised to learn that the seasoned coach was not among the coaches preparing Nigeria for the qualifiers. He wondered the criteria used in selecting the coaches and attested to the managerial acumen of Nwankpa, who is also an Olympian.'I am surprised to see that Obisia is not part of the boxing technical crew,' he said. 'I have passed through him and I must admit that he is one of the best hands we have in the country.'When we were preparing for the All Africa Games in 2007, he opened camp using his own funds and bought food for us on credit and gave us transport fare - all in a bid to encourage us. Most of us who went through his tutelage will forever be grateful to him.'Kayode, who has since turned professional in the United States (U.S.), said that Nwankpa, apart from coaching the boxers, was like a father to them and would always encourage them when they are down. He added: 'I must say that this is not the way to treat a dedicated person.'Nwankpa may have his own shortcomings but I believe he has the experience to take the boxers to greater height in London.'Lateef, who will square up against Antonio Tarver in the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) cruiserweight title on June 2, urged the NSC to have a rethink and reinstate Obisia as one of the country's boxing coaches.He also urged the NSC to consider merit in the appointment of coaches, adding that it is the only way Nigeria would excel at international competitions.
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