Nojim Maiyegun, the Nigerian boxing legend and the country’s first Olympic medalist, has passed away at the age of 83. Maiyegun died in Vienna, Austria, where he had lived for several decades, according to a report by *The Punch*.
Maiyegun made history at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the light middleweight boxing category. This achievement marked the first time a Nigerian athlete had ever secured an Olympic medal. During his Olympic journey, Maiyegun defeated opponents from the United Kingdom and Denmark before losing to France’s Jo Gonzales in the semifinals.
Following his Olympic success, Maiyegun moved to Austria and turned professional in 1971. His career showed promise, but by 1973, he began experiencing serious eyesight problems, which doctors attributed to repeated blows to the head. Despite his declining vision, Maiyegun continued to fight, with his last match taking place in December 1973 against Domenico Tiberia—a fight he reportedly fought while partially blind.
After retiring from boxing, Maiyegun faced significant challenges. His worsening eyesight made it difficult for him to work, but he took up jobs as a street cleaner and janitor. By 2012, he was declared fully blind.
Maiyegun’s professional boxing record stands at 12 wins and 4 losses, a testament to his skill and perseverance in the ring.
Nojim Maiyegun will be remembered not only as a pioneer in Nigerian sports but also as a symbol of resilience and determination.
