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Sports Minister leads tributes to Nigeria’s First Olympic Medallist, Nojim Maiyegun

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Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development,  John Owan Enoh, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s first Olympic medallist, Nojim Maiyegun, who died on Monday at the age of 85.

Maiyegun’s death comes just days after the 60th anniversary of his remarkable achievement at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he won a bronze medal in boxing. Competing in the Light Middleweight (71 kg) category, he shared the bronze medal with Poland’s Józef Grzesiak after both athletes lost in the semifinals, as per Olympic tradition.

In his statement,  Enoh offered his condolences to Maiyegun’s family and the entire Nigerian sports community, acknowledging the late boxer’s monumental contribution to Nigerian sports.

“Nojim Maiyegun’s achievement in 1964 was not just a win for himself but a victory for all Nigerians. His legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian sports excellence will never be forgotten,” said the Minister.

He further added, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true legend, a man who not only broke barriers but also set the standard for what is possible for Nigerian athletes on the global stage.

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“His perseverance and spirit have inspired generations, and we are committed to honoring his memory by continuing to support and develop sports in Nigeria. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Maiyegun made history as the first Nigerian to win an Olympic medal, as his success paved the way for future generations of Nigerian athletes and marked a significant milestone in the country’s sports history.

Maiyegun’s life and achievements remain a source of inspiration for many, highlighting the importance of resilience, dedication, and national pride. His passing is a significant loss to Nigeria and the global sporting community, and he will be fondly remembered as a trailblazer who set the stage for future Olympic successes.

Former Nigeria’s director of Sports, Dr. Patrick Ekeji recalled the 1964 episode when Maiyegun won Nigeria’s first Olympic medal. “I can still recall the funfair with which Maiyegun was received in Lagos on return from that Olympic Games. May his soul rest in peace.”

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

OBITUARY

At last, Peter Fregene passes away

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Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami who has been at the forefront of the life-saving efforts for former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has broken the sad news of the goalkeeper.

He announced that Fregene passed on, aged 77, surrounded by his wife and two of his children.

“A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past one week, passed on to meet his creator. He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,”  Odegbami wrote on Sunday.

Fregene, was a member of the Nigerian team at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. He last played for Nigeria on 13 March 1982 when Nigeria lost 3-0 to Zambia in a Group B AFCON match in Benghazi.

For years, he had been battling with illness and spent the last week on life-support.

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OBITUARY

Doyen of Morocco sports journalism, Belaid Bouimid is dead

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The Late Belaïd Bouimid

Moroccan Journalist, great expert on sports, poet with a sharp pen and above all a precursor of press cartoons in Morocco, Belaïd Bouimid passed away on Monday.

According to Moroccan publication, 360 Sport, Bouimid passed on after a long and courageous fight against illness. He was 75 years old.

He was reportedly admitted to at a clinic in Casablanca where he underwent yet another surgical operation after his health deteriorated. Belaïd Bouimid was used to getting back up. But not this time. The dean of Moroccan journalists, a true big brother to all sports journalists in the country, he passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the age of 75.

Throughout his career, he distinguished himself not only through his expertise and love for sports but also through his intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

He was not just a journalist but a deeply cultured man, attuned to the evolving artistic, literary, and cultural landscapes. His sports analyses were often enriched with cultural references, giving him a unique and original perspective.

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His humanity, sharp mind, and insightful view of the world inspired many generations, whether in the editorial offices or the artistic circles he cherished so much.

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OBITUARY

Former AIPS-Africa president, Mitchell Obi mourns the dean of Moroccan journalists

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Late Belaid Bouimid

“Really sad. ” That was the first reaction of Mitchell Obi, the immediate past president of continental sports writing body, AIPS-Africa, after learning of the passage of Belaid Bouimid, the dean of sports journalists in Morocco.

 Continuing, Obi remarked: “The exit of a reliable and splendid voice. Unforgettable times with a friend who gave his utmost to lift the African sporting press.

“Belaid was brilliant in his communication style and he created laughter from nothing. Simple, self effacing but deeply functional.

“He remains my President and Africa will cherish the sterling contributions of one who truly launched AIPS Africa from its heritage of ASJU.

“A companion for all seasons, my tearful heart goes to the family and friends in Casablanca, Morocco and beyond.

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All that goes returns. Rest well Belaid Boumid … you left us with plenty to remember you by.”

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