The Federal Government is working out plans to invite the newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua to Nigeria.
Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by his assistant on media, Segun Adeyemi, quoting Joshua as saying he is looking forward to giving something back to the country.
The minister congratulated British professional boxer of Nigerian descent for defeating Ukranian Wladimir Klitschko to become the unified World Heavyweight champion.
The minister also said, “Nigeria is proud to be associated with the new unified World champion, whose Nigerian heritage he has publicly acknowledged”.
He hailed Joshua for his humility, despite his success in boxing, and his undying spirit, coming off the canvas after he was knocked down by Klitschko in the sixth round to win by a Technical Knock Out in the 11th round of their pulsating fight.
Alhaji Mohammed therefore promised that government will soon invite the new World Heavyweight Champion to Nigeria, especially
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Joshua for defending his IBF Heavyweight title.
A statement by Dabiri-Erewa’s media aide, Abdurrahman Balogun said Joshua’s victory was not only a thing of pride to Nigerians but the whole of Africa.
“I congratulate you on this wonderful feat, for winning the biggest fight in British boxing history.
“We are truly proud of you and urge you to continue to use your professional prowess to extol the virtues of Nigerian heritage. Your shinning beacon serves as inspiration to the Youth of Nigeria
Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua defended his IBF heavyweight title and fought for the vacant WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles against Wladimir Klitschko on April 29, before a 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
Anthony, a 27-year-old heavyweight boxer with a nickname “AJ”, is the currently undefeated professional boxer, with 17 wins and an incredible 18 knockouts.
