Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, a boxer representing Imo state, has died after a bout at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba.
Bright Edafe, the Delta state police spokesperson, confirmed the incident to TheCable on Wednesday.
The pugilist died after losing a fight in a technical knockout to Prince Gaby Amagor of Anambra in the 86kg category on Monday.
The match was called after the deceased took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.
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“He collapsed during the fight and was confirmed dead at the hospital,” he said.
“Investigation is on. An autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the death.”
An NSF official said the reluctance of medical staff who were at the ringside might have aggravated Igboanugo’s condition.
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She accused the medics of sloppiness in delivering needed first aid after the knockout.
“He was punched in the face during the match. But when he started convulsing, the medical people on the ground were reluctant and not fast enough. They thought he was pretending,” the official told TheCable
“Until they saw that it was very serious. But before they could rally around to do something for him, he had already given up.”
Another member of the Imo state contingent to the NSF corroborated the claim.
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“The medical attendants noticed his condition late and rushed him to the hospital, where he died,” the athlete told TheCable.
The 21st NSF kicked off on November 30 and will run through December 10.
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