Nigerian boxer who died during Sports Festival to be buried today

Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, who died while representing Imo at the 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, will be buried today.

Igboanugo died after he received a punch in the chin from Anambra’s Gaby Amagor in their 86kg category.

The boxer will be buried at the agrarian town of Ogwa in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State.

The Imo State Government had promised a state burial for the departed hero.

According to a statement signed by Emeka Okoronkwo, the Imo State commissioner for sports, youth, and social development, the late Boxer's remains will be committed to mother earth on Thursday at his family compound in Umueze Ogwa, Mbaitoli LGA.

The funeral ceremonies will commence at 8 a.m. at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Complex in Owerri and terminate at his country home at Umueze Ogwa in Mbaitoli LGA.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter, has called on the government of the state to immortalize the boxer.

Imo SWAN Chairman, Everest Ezihe, said the state government should create an avenue so the boxer would not be forgotten.

He said, “It is important for the Imo Government to immortalize Igboanugo whose patriotic zeal is there for all to see. He died not only representing Imo State alone but also his fatherland hence the need to create an avenue to always remember him. It was because of his desire to win laurel for Team Imo that he lost his life.

“We are glad that Imo Government has stated that they will assist the family of the deceased while also shouldering the expenses for his burial but that may not be enough. Imo Government should take a step further by immortalizing him so that every Imo son and daughter will be made aware that it pays to serve one's state with Honour and dignity.”

Imo State finished 11th on the medal table with 45 medals.