Nigeria looses first Olympic medalist

Sen. John Owan Enoh, the honorable minister of sports development, has conveyed his profound sadness over the death on Monday of Nojim Maiyegun, the first Olympic medallist from Nigeria, who was 85 years old. Days have passed since Maiyegun’s incredible accomplishment at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games where he won a bronze medal in boxing 60 years ago.

He competed in the Light Middleweight (71 kg) division and, in keeping with Olympic tradition, lost in the semifinals. He shared the bronze medal with Józef Grzesiak of Poland.
Senator Enoh acknowledged the late boxer’s significant contribution to Nigerian sports and expressed his sympathies to Maiyegun’s family as well as the whole Nigerian sports community in his statement. “Nojim Maiyegun’s triumph in 1964 was a victory for all Nigerians, not just for himself. The Minister declared, “His legacy as a trailblazer of Nigerian sports excellence will never be forgotten.”

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. 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.”

As the first Nigerian to win an Olympic medal, Maiyegun made history by setting a high standard for upcoming generations of Nigerian athletes and contributing significantly to the nation’s sporting heritage. Many people find inspiration in Maiyegun’s life and accomplishments, which emphasize the value of resiliency, commitment, and patriotism. Nigeria and the international sports world have suffered a great loss with his demise, and he will always be recognized as a trailblazer who paved the way for later Olympic triumphs.