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Nigeria’s quest for continental boxing honours has received a major boost, with Ridwan Raheem and four other Nigerian fighters securing places in the finals of the African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.
Raheem advanced in the men’s 60–65kg category after defeating Algeria’s Ismail Bekhsis, delivering an important victory for the Nigerian team following a difficult start to the competition.
Other Nigerian boxers who have progressed to the final stage are Ajishola Khadijat, Precious Anine, Blessing Orakwe and Patricia Mbata. Their qualification has strengthened Nigeria’s chances of securing multiple medals at the championship.
Khadijat earned her place after overcoming Kenya’s Amina Martha by a unanimous 5–0 decision in the women’s 51–54kg category. Anine also recorded a 5–0 victory against Egypt’s Ayyad Yomna in the women’s 60–65kg semi-final.
Orakwe completed her impressive performance by stopping Uganda’s Aiwine Diana in the first round of their contest in the women’s 75–80kg division, while Mbata had already secured her place in the final.
The achievements represent a significant turnaround for Nigeria’s 10-boxer contingent, which suffered several defeats during the early rounds of the tournament.
Nigeria Boxing Federation board member and head of delegation, Captain Rasulun Kashim, had earlier expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to challenge their opponents across the various weight categories.
With five Nigerians now through to the decisive stage, attention has shifted to the final bouts, where the athletes will seek to convert their qualification into gold medals for the country.
