The sudden death of Nwankpa signifies yet another big loss for Nigerian sports in a year already filled with sorrow. Obisia Nwankpa, the legendary boxer and former national coach affectionately referred to as “Golden Gloves,” passed away on Tuesday 3rd June at the age of 75.
In a conversation with Premium Times regarding this unfortunate death, Rafiu Ladipo, the president of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), expressed that the late boxer deserves a place in the nation’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Mr. Ladipo stated that Obisia’s death represents another substantial loss to the boxing community in Nigeria and beyond. “This is another significant blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he dedicated his life to boxing,” Mr. Ladipo remarked.
While reports indicate that Obisia’s body has been transferred to a mortuary while awaiting further details on funeral arrangements, Mr. Ladipo assured that the NBB of C is willing to collaborate with the family and provide support in any way possible. “The family has not reached out to us yet, but if they do, we will fulfill our obligations,” Mr.Ladipo assured.
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Nwankpa’s passing signifies yet another significant loss for Nigerian sports in a year already filled with sorrow. 2025 has witnessed the loss of several notable figures, including football legend Christian Chukwu and rising boxing star Segun Olarenwaju, who tragically passed away during a match in Ghana.
After retiring from the ring, Nwankpa transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of Head Coach for the Nigerian Boxing Team. He guided the team through two Olympic Games -Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 -and mentored a generation of Nigerian boxers. In his later years, Nwankpa faced a quiet yet challenging battle with dementia and other health complications.
In September 2024, he made a rare public appearance at the National Gym in Surulere, Lagos, accompanied by his wife and children. During that visit, reported by Fight Gist Media, his daughter spoke on his behalf, disclosing that the once-energetic champion was no longer able to speak or recognise familiar faces due to severe memory loss.
