By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The All Progressives Congress has congratulated Nigerian-born Anthony Joshua on becoming a two-time world heavyweight champion following his victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in a tense rematch in Saudi Arabia, saying it represents the can-do spirit of Nigerians.
The National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu disclosed this on Sunday in a statement made available to newsmen.
The statement reads in part:
“With Anthony Joshua’s boxing career suffering a major setback following a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz six months ago, he approached the disappointment with positive spirit. We are not surprised by Anthony Joshua’s deserved and stunning comeback victory which saw him retake the IBF, WBA, IBO and WBO titles.
Anthony Joshua now joins a small cluster of men including Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Floyd Patterson to have reclaimed the world heavyweight title.
Anthony Joshua’s persistence and resilience represent the typical can-do spirit of Nigerians in the face of adversity. He is a man who is proud to be a Nigerian doing his best in his calling to uplift the name of his fatherland. He rose to world best in boxing with determination, exhibiting the positive audacity for which Nigerians are known worldwide
As the ruling party, espousing on the ideals of resourcefulness, hardwork, self-belief, and patriotism, we are proud to present Anthony Joshua as an emblem of a true Nigerian. We see in him, the embodiment of the national identity every true Nigerian is made of.
SIGNED:
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)