“I just had the honour of hosting our very own Anthony Joshua, a true champion and worthy ambassador of Nigeria.”
Renowned boxing champion Anthony Joshua began the New Year with a high-profile visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, where he presented the Nigerian leader with an autographed boxing glove.
The gesture symbolised perseverance and excellence – qualities deeply rooted in both Joshua’s illustrious career and the Nigerian spirit.
Speaking about the visit on his official X page, President Tinubu expressed his admiration for the boxing legend, stating:
“I just had the honour of hosting our very own Anthony Joshua, a true champion and worthy ambassador of Nigeria. Anthony Joshua’s dedication and achievements continue to inspire millions daily. Thank you for the autographed glove—it is a symbol of perseverance and excellence. A symbol of what Nigerians are known for. We are Nigeria. Proudly Nigerian.”
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Joshua said, “I got to meet His Excellency. They did an amazing job at hosting me and my family today. I get to see how the country is organised and run, and have big plans for the future.”
2025 Goals
Joshua also spoke about his ambitions for the year ahead.
His primary target includes a high profile fight against fellow British boxer Tyson Fury and to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.
“Time is of the essence, time is limited. So, I just want to put in more work,” Joshua was quoted as saying by the News Agency of Nigeria. “In 2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more, and I have another chance in 2025 to do more. I’m going to make sure that I take every opportunity that comes my way.”
When asked about his chances of defeating Fury, Joshua said: “We’ll see, let’s get in the ring. Only God knows, but for me, we’ll see in the future.”
Reflecting on his September 2024 loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, Joshua maintained his resolve to bounce back. “I should have won that match, but I didn’t. I’m going to go again. Ups and downs happen. To some people, it’s always up. My life is up and down, so I’ve got to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave. I can’t stop now; I have to keep going until I reach my destination.”
Ambassadorial role and Ogun State connection
Before meeting with President Tinubu, Joshua visited Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, where he was officially appointed a sports ambassador for Ogun State.
This ambassadorial role underscores Joshua’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of Nigerian athletes and promoting national pride.
Coincidentally, Ogun State enjoys a legacy of producing sporting legends, including Segun Odegbami, Falilat Ogunkoya, and world record holder Tobi Amusan among many others.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
-
67 miners crowded into NSCDC cell before 37 died – Niger gov
Mohammed Bago
-
Insecurity will soon be defeated in Nigeria — Akpabio
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that the country’s insecurity will soon be defeated, while declaring that reforms in the banking sector have made it stronger and more resilient. Akpabio, who made the remarks while canvassing support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope reforms, said the twin challenges of insecurity and…
-
Mambilla project: APC PCC accuses Atiku of financial sleaze
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas …says ADC presidential candidate unfit for Presidency The celebrated judgement at the International Arbitration Tribunal in favour of Nigeria in the suit instituted by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project has taken another dimension as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council accused the presidential candidate of the African Democratic…
LATEST POSTS
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
-
67 miners crowded into NSCDC cell before 37 died – Niger gov
Mohammed Bago
-
Insecurity will soon be defeated in Nigeria — Akpabio
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that the country’s insecurity will soon be defeated, while declaring that reforms in the banking sector have made it stronger and more resilient. Akpabio, who made the remarks while canvassing support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope reforms, said the twin challenges of insecurity and…
-
Mambilla project: APC PCC accuses Atiku of financial sleaze
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas …says ADC presidential candidate unfit for Presidency The celebrated judgement at the International Arbitration Tribunal in favour of Nigeria in the suit instituted by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project has taken another dimension as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council accused the presidential candidate of the African Democratic…
