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Team Nigeria has turned disappointment into triumph at the African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, finishing the women’s finals with three gold medals and one silver.
The golden run began with Ajishola Khadijat, who claimed Nigeria’s first title in the women’s 51 to 54kg division with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision over Algeria’s Malak Noir E.
Her composed, commanding display set the stage for a memorable night for the Nigerian camp. Precious Anine followed with Nigeria’s second gold, defeating Algeria’s Benane Djouher in the women’s 60 to 65kg final to extend the country’s success.
The standout moment of the evening belonged to team captain Blessing Orakwe. In the women’s 75 to 80kg final, Orakwe stopped Kenya’s Akinyi Elizabeth in the first round by knockout, sealing Nigeria’s third gold in emphatic fashion and living up to her vow that she had not come to Nairobi to joke.
Patricia Mbata completed the haul with silver in the women’s 70 to 75kg category after a narrow 3-2 split decision loss to Egypt’s Aboelfead Nabila in a closely contested final.
The medals mark a dramatic turnaround for Nigeria, whose team bounced back strongly on the final day to deliver a performance full of character and belief.
The resurgence also vindicates the confidence of the technical crew, including Cross River State head coach Mary Obo Ekpo, who had predicted that Nigeria would return with multiple medals.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation leadership, led by President Adebayo Olawale Edun and Vice President Omonlei Yakubu Imadu, celebrated a performance that signaled renewed promise for Nigerian boxing.
Nigeria’s female boxers have delivered a powerful statement in Nairobi, turning early setbacks into continental glory with resilience, belief, and pride restored.