Nojim Maiyegun: Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist passes away at age 83

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Nigeria has lost its first Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun, who passed away on Monday at the age of 83. Maiyegun, who had been living in Vienna, Austria, died of natural causes, according to multiple sources.

For years, Maiyegun had been battling vision impairment and had frequently been in and out of the hospital. His death was confirmed by Stephen Ogboh, a Nigerian acquaintance living in Austria.

Maiyegun’s passing comes just days after the 60th anniversary of his historic Olympic achievement. On August 10, 1964, he won a bronze medal in boxing at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist.

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In the Light Middleweight category, Maiyegun shared the bronze with Poland’s Józef Grzesiak, as there was no third-place bout. His victory ended Nigeria’s 12-year Olympic medal drought, as the nation had not secured a medal since it began participating in the Games in Helsinki in 1952.

In 1966, two years later, Maiyegun secured another bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

In 1971, he left Nigeria to pursue a professional boxing career abroad. Maiyegun fought 16 bouts, winning 12, with 10 victories by knockout.

Nojim Maiyegun, a true Nigerian icon and legend

Born on February 17, 1941, in Lagos, Maiyegun’s accomplishment in Tokyo remains a significant milestone in Nigerian sports history. Despite his groundbreaking achievement, he faded from the public eye until 2012, when his loss of vision was publicly disclosed.

Maiyegun’s legacy as Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist remains a source of pride for the nation. His contributions to Nigerian sports continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

Though he spent his later years away from the spotlight, Maiyegun’s impact on Nigerian athletics is undeniable. His bronze medal at the 1964 Olympics stands as a testament to his dedication and skill in boxing.

The nation mourns the loss of this sports pioneer, reflecting on the barriers he broke for future Nigerian Olympians. Maiyegun’s life and achievements will forever be remembered in Nigeria’s sporting history.

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