Eight Nigerian boxers have earned spots in the finals of the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, after their strong showings in the semi-finals. PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Zainab Adeshina took the lead by defeating Grace Fanhbulleh from Liberia with a substantial 5-0 victory, securing her spot in the final of the women’s 50kg category.
Joy Ojo also advanced to the final of the women’s 57kg event after a remarkable performance against Khouloud Hlimi of Tunisia.
In the women’s 75kg, UK-based Patricia Mbata, who recently lost in the final of the World Olympics Qualifiers in Italy, defeated Gramane Adosinda of Mozambique by points to also qualify for the final.
In the men’s division, Dolapo Omole, who already secured a spot for the 2024 Paris Olympics last year, defeated Ngulube Albert of Zambia with a commanding 5-0 victory, securing his place in the final of the men’s 57kg event.
Another UK-based boxer Adams Olaore, who has also qualified for the Olympics, delivered a dominant performance with a KO win in the quarter-finals and a 5-0 points win in the semis.
Olaore defeated Egypt’s Ali Ibrahim to secure his place in the final stage of the men’s 92kg category.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore defeated Algerian Hadjila Khelif by points 4-1 to advance to the final stage of women’s 60kg event.
Blessing Oraekwe secured her spot in the final by stopping Tunisia’s Iben Zina Eya in round two via a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the women’s 70kg.
Kareem Shukura also secured her final place by stopping Kenyan Faki Amina Martha in round one via Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the women’s 54kg contest.
