RIYE U17 boxing circuit: 24 young boxers set for Ogun competition

24 young boxers from the four sporting zones of Ogun State will compete at the maiden RIYE Under-17 Boxing Circuit scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The organisers have assured participants and spectators of adequate safety measures and effective coordination throughout the competition.

The event is being organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Honourable Tunde Delu, under the Young Athletes Yield Initiative, YAYI, to identify, nurture and develop young sporting talents across the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta, Hon. Delu said the competition was part of efforts to establish a structured pathway for young athletes to develop their abilities and pursue successful sporting careers.

Hon. Delu explained that the initiative was designed not only to provide competitive opportunities but also to identify promising athletes early and support their long-term development.

He recalled that the organisers had earlier held the RIYE Under-15 Athletics Championships, adding that plans were underway to extend the circuit to other sports, including table tennis, gymnastics and scrabble.

The organisers announced that winners of the 12 bouts would each receive one hundred thousand naira, while other participating boxers would receive fifty thousand naira each adding that Medals would also be presented to the competitors.

One of the boxers expected to participate, Anuoluwapo Soyombo, popularly known as Beast, expressed confidence in her preparation, promising an exciting performance.

She said the boxers had undergone intensive training in recent weeks ahead of the competition.

In a remark, the  Secretary of the Ogun State Boxing Association and boxing promoter, Coach David Osuolale, assured that the technical and safety requirements for the event had been adequately addressed.

Coach Osuolale commended the organisers for investing in grassroots amateur boxing and promoting the development of young athletes.

In their separate contribution, the Chairman, Ogun State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, and former boxing champion and coach, Sunday Michael, applauded the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for emerging talents to showcase their abilities.