The Federal Government has congratulated British professional boxer who is also a
Nigerian, Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua, for defeating
Ukranian Wladimir Klitschko to become the unified World Heavyweight
Champion.
In a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Information
and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Nigeria is proud to be
associated with the new unified World champion, whose Nigerian
heritage he has publicly acknowledged.
”My heart is in Nigeria, My heart is in Britain. I am a Nigerian man
by blood, yes,” the Minister quoted Joshua as saying in a recent
interview, during which the boxer also listed the secret of his success as
pounded yam, eba and egusi – all Nigerian cuisine.
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.
Mohammed said the government will soon invite the new World
Heavyweight Champion to Nigeria, especially as he has said he is
looking forward to giving something back to the country.
