Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun, died at 83.

Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun, died at 83.

Nojim Maiyegun, recognized as Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist, has passed away at the age of 83, as shared by his close friend Rudolfine F Soultan on Facebook.

The heartfelt post expressed deep sorrow, stating, “My Jimmy died,” and highlighted the significance of their upcoming 17-year anniversary. Maiyegun’s death occurred in Vienna, Austria, following a struggle with an undisclosed illness.

He made a remarkable mark in sports history by clinching a bronze medal in light-heavyweight boxing during the Tokyo 1964 Olympics, and he also secured another bronze at the 1966 Commonwealth Games. 

At the young age of 23, Maiyegun made history by winning Nigeria’s inaugural Olympic medal in the light-heavyweight boxing category, triumphing over Denmark’s Tom Bogs in the quarter-finals before facing defeat against France’s Joseph Gonzalez in the semi-finals.

After relocating from Nigeria in 1971, he transitioned into a professional boxing career, where he participated in 16 bouts and achieved 12 victories, with an impressive 10 of those wins coming by way of knockout.

His legacy as a pioneering athlete continues to inspire many in the realm of sports.

~ Vanguard. 

Images: NAN