Nojim Maiyegun, the trailblazing boxer who secured Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic medal, passed away on Monday in Vienna, Austria, at the age of 85. The former light middleweight boxer had been residing in Austria for several years after leaving Nigeria.
Maiyegun etched his name in Nigerian sports history by clinching a bronze medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His death comes just days after the 60th anniversary of this historic achievement.
Multiple sources confirmed that Maiyegun died of natural causes after experiencing health issues for the past six months. The athlete, who had been visually impaired for several years, had reportedly seen his condition worsen in recent times.
Stephen Ogboh, a Nigerian acquaintance living in Austria, verified the news to Sports Village Square.
Maiyegun’s Olympic Triumph
On August 10, 1964, Maiyegun ended Nigeria’s 12-year medal drought at the Olympics, which had persisted since the country’s debut at the Helsinki 1952 Games. Competing in the light middleweight category, he shared the bronze medal with Poland’s Józef Grzesiak after both boxers lost in the semifinals.
Legacy and Impact
Maiyegun’s breakthrough performance opened the floodgates for Nigerian success on the global stage. Following his bronze, the country went on to win three silver medals and two more bronze medals in subsequent Olympic Games.
His achievement remains a source of pride for Nigeria, inspiring generations of athletes who followed in his footsteps.
Connect with us on our socials: