Fuel the Fight: Transforming Nutrition Awareness in Nigeria and Ghana Through Collaborative Efforts

Fuel the Fight is a collaborative project between Boxing is Love and African.Box, developed with Dr. Yaw Ansong Snr, a PhD researcher at Cambridge University. The initiative raises awareness about nutrition among boxing communities in Nigeria and Ghana. Together, we created nutrition posters tailored to local produce and shared them across more than ten gyms in Lagos and Accra, including with national teams. By connecting boxing, education, and everyday food practices, Fuel the Fight supports athletes and communities in making informed, sustainable choices that strengthen both health and performance.

The Vision Behind "Fuel the Fight"

Fuel the Fight was created to address the everyday nutritional challenges faced by athletes in Nigeria and Ghana. The project provides practical, locally relevant information to improve both performance and wellbeing.

Designed to be clear and visually engaging, the posters highlight accessible food choices such as guava, plantains, millet, sorghum, and coconut water, showing how everyday ingredients can fuel training and recovery. By reaching both national teams and grassroots gyms, the initiative encourages lasting, community-wide awareness of healthy eating and performance nutrition.

Engaging Communities Through Education

A key aspect of the "Fuel the Fight" project is its focus on community engagement. This initiative has reached schools, sports clubs, and local organisations to ensure that the message of nutrition awareness resonates widely. Through workshops and seminars, participants engage in interactive learning about the importance of nutrition for sports and daily life.

By fostering discussions about healthy eating, the project empowers individuals to take control of their health. Collaborating with nutritionists ensures that the information provided is not only accurate but also customized to meet the specific needs of each community.

Impact on National Teams

Involving national teams in Lagos and Accra has been a transformative step for the project. By incorporating nutrition education into their training routines, these teams set a strong example for young athletes. The posters serve as constant reminders of the importance of nutrition, motivating athletes to prioritize their diets alongside their training.

Looking Ahead

As Boxing is Love continues to grow, the focus remains on deepening impact and creating lasting change. Future plans include expanding nutrition education, developing new learning materials, and strengthening community partnerships.

Keep an eye out for upcoming collaborations with Panta Pride in Liberia and Wisdom Boxing Gym in Ghana, where we’ll be exploring how boxing can be a gateway to learning, from nutrition awareness to basic literacy, numeracy, and social sciences inspired by local boxing legends.