NIGERIA: Samuel Peter, the "Nigerian Nightmare", returns to Nigeria for the first time after being named WBC heavyweight world champion

Fans in traditional Nigerian costumes were on hand on Wednesday (November 14) to welcome Nigeria's latest hero - Samuel Peter, known in boxing circles as the "Nigerian Nightmare" - back to the country. Peter was named Interim World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight world champion in October. In a brief speech at the Lagos international airport, Samuel Peter's promoter, the renown Don King, hailed Peter's Nigerian roots. "It is wonderful to have an indigenous champion Samuel Peter from the great country of Nigeria," he said. Samuel, who seemed rather short of words, could only offer his thanks to energetic fans who had come to welcome him. The team left immediately for Abuja, Nigeria's seat of government, to present the WBC belt to President Musa Yar' Adua. The Nigerian president said Peter deserved the belt and thanked him for making himself, his country and Africa proud of his achievement. "This is an honour well deserved. We are all proud of you and since the 6th of October we have clearly held our heads high in pride and ecstasy because of this achievement," Yar' Adua said. This is the first time Samuel Peter is coming back to Nigeria after being awarded the belt in October. Peter started his boxing career in Nigeria and won the local Eagle Belt in 2000, after which he represented Nigeria at the Sydney 2000 Olympics before turning professional. Peter is due to fight Oleg Maskaev in February.

ITN Source | November 15, 2007

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