Ilaji Boxing Academy begins its talent development programme for newly selected young boxers on October 10, 2026.
The Ilaji Boxing Academy has finalised preparations to welcome the first batch of young boxers selected for its grassroots talent development programme. The official resumption is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the facility located in Ibadan.
This major milestone follows a rigorous open scouting trial held on August 26, 2026, at the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort in Akanran. The initiative is specifically designed to discover, nurture, and develop the next generation of Nigerian boxing talents.
Under the terms of the initiative, the academy will fully cater to all selected athletes by providing training facilities, managing their overall development, and taking complete responsibility for their welfare and guardianship, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Structured Training and Athlete Welfare
The new programme guarantees that every selected recruit receives comprehensive support, ensuring they can focus entirely on honing their skills. By taking charge of guardianship and daily welfare, the academy aims to bridge the gap between grassroots potential and professional athletic success.
Ridwanulahi Akinola, the General Manager of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, recently addressed the coaching staff responsible for discovering the young prospects. He confirmed that all athletes have been duly documented as the organisation lays the groundwork for a lasting global legacy.
Expanding Sports Legacy in Ibadan
The launch of this boxing initiative represents a deliberate effort to replicate the remarkable success that the organisation has previously achieved in football. Management intends to build a sustainable structure that consistently produces elite competitors for both national and international stages.
This vision is championed by Dotun Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of the resort, whose well-known passion for the sport includes past sponsorships of world title bouts and the construction of a world-standard boxing gym within the Akanran resort.
Professional Pathways for Nigerian Boxers
By offering structured training sessions and expert professional guidance, the academy strives to equip young prospects with the necessary tools for long-term career growth. The project represents a significant financial and organisational commitment to youth sports development in the region.
The leadership believes that combining top-tier hospitality standards with elite sports management will create a unique environment where aspiring athletes can thrive, ultimately elevating the profile of Nigerian boxing on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Ilaji Boxing Academy training programme begin?
The first batch of young boxers is scheduled to resume the training programme on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort in Akanran, Ibadan.
Where were the scouting trials held for the boxing academy?
The open scouting trials took place on August 26, 2026, at the Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort located in Akanran, Ibadan, drawing numerous aspiring young talents.
Who is the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort?
The resort is led by Okanlomo Dotun Sanusi, a prominent sports enthusiast known for his heavy investments in boxing and football development in Nigeria.
What support does the Ilaji Boxing Academy provide to selected boxers?
The academy takes complete responsibility for the recruited athletes by covering their training, providing modern facilities, managing their athletic development, and handling their overall welfare and guardianship.
