Three Nigerian boxers Adam Olaore, Joshua Omole, and Cynthia Ogunsemilore are getting ready to make history for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics by striving to win the nation’s first-ever gold medals in boxing, according to Sunday PUNCH.
Their path to the top of Olympic success started with an impressive performance at the Africa Olympic Boxing qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, in 2023, where they won gold medals in their respective weight categories, securing their spots at the Paris Games.
Ogunsemilore ignited the stage with a strong win over Algeria’s Khelif Hadjila, securing Nigeria’s first gold medal of the tournament in the Women’s 60kg category.
Omole followed with a dominant performance against Ethiopia’s Leta Yadesa in the Men’s 57kg category, securing another gold for Nigeria.
Similarly, Olaore engaged in a intense battle with Algeria’s Houmri Mohamed in the Men’s 92kg category, emerging victorious and earning his second African Championship title.
Since then, the three have also gone on to win gold medals in their weight classes at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana held in March.
The trio’s pursuit of Olympic gold carries the weight of history, as Nigeria has never won a gold medal in boxing despite participating in 13 Olympic Games since Tokyo 1964.
Boxing, which brought Nigeria’s only medals at the nation’s first two Olympics (1964 and 1972), remains a cherished sport deeply rooted in Nigerian sporting culture.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Olaore shared his intense preparation routine, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of Olympic glory, saying, “Training has become even more intense and focused.
“I’m working closely with my coaches to refine my skills and maintain peak physical condition. Mentally, I’m developing a winning mindset and turning pressure into motivation.”
His objectives are clear as he aims for a gold medal, a feat that many before him have attempted and failed to achieve, with Nigeria securing three silver medals and three bronze medals in boxing at the Games.
