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Despite The Odds, Bash Ali Resolute To Rewrite Boxing History Remains Unchanged

The African Boxing Ambassador, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, OON, has become a household name in the world of boxing due to his tall ambition to make a name for himself as the oldest man to achieve two things in one night; win the Guinness World Record as the oldest man to step into a boxing ring and if he wins the fight, as the oldest man to win a world boxing title. Not only this, he would have put the name of Nigeria once again in the world record book.

The World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight champion turned 67 last February 27.

To Bash Ali, as he is fondly called by his teeming admirers who cut across all shades of life, and dreams, they say hardly die. It is not for fun that 17 years ago, his dream of becoming the Guinness World Record Boxing Champion refused to die.

Many have given up on their dreams or even died with them, however, for Bash Ali, the man has remained on course until the mark is made.

There are many doubting Thomases, who have dismissed this dream with a wave of the hand, wondering if he wants to kill himself in the adventure.

Those who want to listen to themselves speak on the initiative, would prefer he is stopped in his tracks.

Being a man of conviction that Bash is, he has said: “I know that many people give up on their dreams and die with it, but I am an extraordinary man.

“I will accomplish my dream and continue to fight till I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go into politics and become the President of Nigeria.”

Many think he is on the path of damnation. But they do not know he has always been convinced beyond reasonable doubt of his capacity, capability and holding power in the game.

He has never given up on his dream, and neither has he ever gioven up on Nigeria. His implicit faith in his capacity has never been in doubt; and that has remained incontrovertible.

It is annoying, some Nigerians have regrettably curious opponents of anything good. They are supposed to support his ambition but are strongly against it.

If Bash Ali were to be a white man living in the West, his dream and ambition would have seen the light of the day, despite the assertion of those against the dream.

Bash Ali with Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria
Bash Ali with Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria

Older persons desirous of fulfilling an ambition in the west and other saner climes would have been supported without a second thought in order to rewrite boxing history.

Today, we are where we are and perhaps more shameful that dreams are hardly pursued on account of what people would say.

For those who do not believe, Champion Bash Ali will surely shock the world by rewriting boxing history and making all his fiercest critics his most adored disciples.

You may do well to mark these words and get ready to be part of boxing history in the making. This has been a goal.

The initiative, if anyone cares to know has been privately driven. The Federal Government of Nigeria has never given a kobo since Champion Bash Ali embarked on the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight initiative.

Rather, he has spent billions of Naira of personal money. Anyone who doubts it is free to cross-check.

We thought Bash Ali needed to be commended not condemned. But the choice is all yours to act. You can bet against him on the fight night, but we dare say you will lose your money because he is going to win.

The fact that Champion Bash Ali has continued to meet senior government officials and other critical stakeholders is to let the world know that he is able to do it and create history on his side.

The meeting was a moment for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight champion, Bash Ali to inform the government that the proposed Guinness World Record Boxing Championship which is scheduled to be held for the first time on African soil, outside the United States is possible.

If you feel not perpetrated to the cause, there is something hanging out in the air: A chance to make history and place Nigeria’s Bash Ali in the Guinness World Record beckons.

He is encouraged. It is on the way!

Bash Ali began his boxing career in September 1978 and never fought as an amateur. He is the only boxer in the world to win every cruiserweight title conceivable.

Bash Ali’s last fight was in 2004 when he knocked out the then-British cruiserweight champion, Tony Booth, in the fourth round. It is on record that in 1985, Bash Ali made history as the first cruiserweight boxing champion from the African continent.

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Rivers State SWAN To Mentor 80 Varsity Students As Executive Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State chapter says it has lined up series of activities to celebrate one year anniversary of the current executives of the association.
According to Viura Lezigha, Assstant Secretary, Rivers State SWAN/Secretary, Anniversary Committee, “We have lined up three remarkable programs slated from April 4-6, 2025.
“On this regard, the Mentorship program is scheduled for Friday 4th April at the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies Auditorium, Rivers State University (RSU), at 11 am.
“SWAN Rivers State Chapter will mentor over 80 final year students of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies of the institution about Sports Writing.
“The resource persons for the Mentorship program are Amb. Mrs. Didi Phina Ojogwu, Mr. Carl Orakwe and Mr. Emeka Dennar.
Guests expected to be present at the event are
1. Prof. R. N. Amadi – Dean, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies
2. Dr. Justice Njoku C. – Ag Head of Department, Public Relations and Advertising
3. Dr. N. N. Nwankpa – Ag Head of Department, Journalism and Media Studies
4. Dr. I. Harry – Ag Head of Department, Development Communications Studies
5. Dr O. P. Brisebe – Ag Head of Department, Cinematography and Broadcast Studies

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U-13 JOF Kids Cup: Strong Dove, Miracle FC, Solution Boys, Others Eye Semi Final Slots

 

 

The coast is cleared for teams to fight for the semi-final slots of the ongoing 6th U-13 JOF Kids Cup as the Round of 16 matches were concluded last weekend setting the stage for the quarter-final (Round of 8) encounters.

Playing at the Lekki playground, Strong Dove of Orile beat Yinka Babes from Badagry 2-1

After playing a 2-2 draw game during the regulation time, B. Unit Boys of Mainland defeated Apapa Boys 4-3 with penalties.

At Ojo Oniyun playground in Ebute Metta, Miracle FC of Ijesha ran away with a lone goal victory over Abay Babes from Ajah

Idimu Bombers lost 1-2 to Solution Boys from Apapa.

I’m other results at Lekki playground on Sunday ThankGod Boys from Oko Baba beat Ultimate Villa of Ikorodu 4-2.

Versity Boys of Lagos Island defeated G. Tomorrow also from Lagos Island 1-0.

At Ojo Oniyun playground, First Class Boys from Lagos Island beat Ikosi Boys from Ketu 2-0, while Oloto Babes stopped HB Utility of Ilupeju in a grudge encounter that ended 1-0.

The quarter-final matches will be decided this weekend as the organisers, Lagos Grassroots Football Association and the sponsor, JOF Nigeria Limited are working round the clock to ensure that the final ceremony is held in April.

Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, Director of Strategic Support Services, JOF Nigeria Limited, was enthusiastic about the level of sportsmanship exhibited by the kids in the matches played so far. He assured that the final ceremony this year will be more glamorous than the past five editions.

Quarter Final Qualified Teams:

Strong Dove
First Class Boys
Versity Boys
Oloto Babes
ThankGod Boys
Solution Boys
Miracle FC
B.Unit Boy

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified 

FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified 

Seven spots out of the required 48 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already been filled after the March international break ended

Argentina is the biggest name on the list after the reigning world champions booked a spot to defend their title next year
In the other list, Nigeria leads a list of big teams who are at risk of failing to qualify after a string of disappointing results
The first international break of the year came with teams battling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held next year.

The tournament will be the first time we will have 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries meaning the United States of America, Mexico and Canada have already qualified.

How many countries will each continent produce at World Cup 2026?

The 48 teams will be distributed based on coefficients, with UEFA (Europe) having the most with 16 slots. Here is a breakdown of how many countries have been allocated to each body.

UEFA (Europe): 16 slots

CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots

CAF (Africa): 9 slots

AFC (Asia): 8 slots

CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean): 6 slots

OFC (Oceania): 1 slot

Inter-Confederation Playoff: 2 slots

Who has already qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Four more countries have joined the hosts in confirming their place in North America next year.

Japan
Japan from AFC was the first to seal its spot after they beat Bahrain 2-0 to attain an unassailable lead at the top of Group C of the qualifiers. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo did the work, rendering their remaining three games a mere formality.

“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support. We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team,” said head coach Hajime Moriyasu to Associated Press. This will be their eighth straight World Cup.

New Zealand
New Zealand booked the only spot reserved for the OFC region after they thumped New Caledonia 3-0.

It is the first time the Oceania region has had an automatic qualification spot and New Zealand left nothing to chance to reach only their third-ever World Cup.

Iran
Iran followed in Japan’s footsteps by nicking one of the AFC spots. Mehdi Taremi scored twice to salvage a point against Uzbekistan. The Uzbeki would have gone through with a win, while Iran only needed a point to confirm their place.

Team Melli will be at the biggest stage for the fourth consecutive time while Uzbekistan can close in on a hisorc achievement with a win in any of their remaining two games.

Argentina
The defending champions will be in North America to defend their title. The Albiceleste confirmed their place without even kicking a ball after Bolivia held Uruguay to a goalless draw.

As if that wasn’t enough, Lionel Scaloni’s side went ahead and pumped four goals past a hapless Brazil to send out a strong statement of intent.

It would be interesting to see whether talisman Lionel Messi will be in the squad come next year. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been bogged down by injuries in recent times.

Which big country can fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup?
The qualification process for Europe is still in its infant stages, or yet to begin completely in some groups, so there is nothing much to say there.

However, in Africa, where only four matches remain, some heavyweights are staring at failure to make it.

Nigeria tops this list after Zimbabwe stunned them in extra-time at home. The disappointing draw, coupled with South Africa’s win over Benin, leaves the Super Eagles’ dreams in tatters. Of course, there is still that matter of Teboho Mokoena that could change the group’s dynamics.

Senegal were handed a lifeline after Sudan failed to beat South Sudan. The Teranga Lions are now locked in a three-way battle with Sudan and DR Congo for the top honours in Group B.

How Harambee Stars can still qualify for FIFA World Cup
TUKO.co.ke has also worked out some permutations of how Harambee Stars can still qualify for the World Cup.

It is almost an improbable task at this moment after the draw against the Gambia and loss to Gabon but it is still mathematically possible.

Story by Martin Moses

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