Nigeria’s boxing contenders, Zainab Adeshina, Ifeanyi Onyekwere and Shukurah Kareem have secured spots in the semi-finals of their respective weight categories at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
The thrilling matches unfolded at the Bukom Boxing Arena, adding excitement to the ongoing boxing event that commenced on Saturday with the quarter-finals taking place on Sunday and Monday.
Ifeanyi Onyekwere triumphed over Keddy Evans of Seychelles in the men’s 92+kg division, claiming victory by a unanimous points decision of 5-0 and securing his place in the semi-finals.
Similarly, Zainab Adeshina showcased her skill and determination in the women’s 50kg category, overcoming Mathiba Thandolwethu Truelove of South Africa with an impressive points decision of 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
Her victory secures her a coveted spot in the semis on Tuesday (today), marking a significant achievement in her sporting career.
While Adeshina and Onyekwere fought on Sunday, Kareem’s bout was on Monday and she secured her spot in the semis by defeating Sierra Leone’s Sara Haghighat-Joo 4-1 in the women’s 54kg quarter-finals.
With their exceptional performances, Adeshina, Onyekwere and Kareem have guaranteed themselves at least a bronze medal at the Games.
National team coach Tony Konyegwachie has said he has full faith in his boxers to go all the way and claim gold medals as long as there are no external interference.
“These boxers are making me proud because they give their all in every fight and I expect a number of gold medals from this team that I have brought to the competition,” he told our correspondent.
“If all will be determined by their ability and there are no officiating problems, I am sure all of them who have advanced to the semi-finals will win gold medals.”
