Head coach of the Nigerian boxing team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Adura Olalehin, has responded to allegations from former national boxer Segun Ajose. Ajose accused the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), the Ministry of Sports, and Coach Olalehin of fielding incompetent boxers and negatively influencing them, which he claimed led to a failed doping test and poor performance in Paris.
In an interview, Olalehin expressed disappointment with Ajose’s accusations and defended the team’s preparation and integrity.
Olalehin emphasized that the athletes were well-trained and qualified for the Olympics, particularly highlighting Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s potential.
Addressing the doping issue, Olalehin said, “All the boxers were trained and educated about the adverse effects of banned substances. They were eager and ready to compete cleanly at the Olympics.”
The coach, a former international boxer himself, urged Ajose to be a positive role model rather than discrediting the efforts of the NBF and Ministry of Sports. He stressed the importance of supporting young boxers’ mental health and maintaining Nigeria’s boxing reputation internationally.
Responding to personal allegations, Olalehin affirmed his commitment to clean competition.
He said, “I have been a role model to young boxers in Nigeria and abroad, supporting them morally and otherwise to aspire to the top. Nothing will ever move me to use banned substances or influence my athletes and young boxers to do so. I am a clean, professional boxer.”
Olalehin also addressed Ajose’s criticism of the team’s performance, saying, “Ajose’s aim was to damage my image, the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), and the Ministry of Sports. The male boxer Adams Olaore lost to Kazakhstan’s Oralbay Aibek. We have noted the mistakes and are already working on them. It is painful that Segun Ajose has been discrediting our efforts on the Internet and making unfounded allegations. This media attack is unfair.”
The coach accused Ajose of engaging in sports politics and blackmail, suggesting that such behavior was detrimental to the sport’s growth in Nigeria.
