NaijWeb Keeping you informed…
Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun, has passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of athletes.
Maiyegun, a former boxer who won the bronze medal in the light-heavyweight boxing category at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, died on Monday morning at his residence in Vienna, Austria, after battling an undisclosed illness for several months.
His passing marks a significant loss not only for his family and close friends but also for the entire Nigerian sports community, which has lost a pioneering figure whose achievements put the country on the global sporting map.
Maiyegun’s determination and skill in the ring earned him a place in history, and his legacy as Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist remains unmatched.
His close confidante, Rudolfine F. Soultan, expressed her deep sorrow in a heartfelt Facebook post, writing,
“My Jimmy died. I can’t say more about this right now because it’s just horrible.”
The loss of Maiyegun is particularly poignant for Nigeria, as he could have continued to inspire and mentor future generations of boxers, helping them bring further victories to the nation.
His passing is a reminder of the immense contributions he made to Nigerian sports, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his soul rest in peace.
