Team Nigeria ended the 2026 African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, with three gold medals and two silvers, rallying strongly after a difficult opening to the tournament.
The 10-athlete Nigerian delegation closed the continental event in impressive fashion as Ajishola Khadijat, Precious Anine and captain Blessing Orakwe claimed titles in their respective women’s divisions.
Khadijat delivered Nigeria’s first gold, earning a decisive 5–0 unanimous points win over Algeria’s Malak Noir E in the women’s 51–54kg final.
Anine added another title by overcoming Algeria’s Benane Djouher in the women’s 60–65kg class. Orakwe then sealed the trio of Nigerian gold medals, stopping Kenya’s Akinyi Elizabeth with a first-round knockout in the women’s 75–80kg final.
Patricia Mbata and Ridwan Raheem contributed two silver medals for Nigeria after closely contested defeats in their championship bouts.
Mbata was beaten 3–2 on points by Egypt’s Aboelfead Nabila in the women’s 70–75kg final. Raheem also lost by the same 3–2 scoreline, with Angola’s Bernardo Massimino Sander taking the men’s 65kg title.
The five-medal return marked a major recovery for the Nigerians, who had endured a number of frustrating losses during the preliminary stages before hitting form when the medals were decided.
Cross River State head coach Mary Obo Ekpo had remained convinced that Nigeria would collect several medals despite the troubled start, and the eventual results backed up that belief.
The showing will also provide a lift for Nigeria Boxing Federation President Adebayo Olawale Edun, Vice President Omonlei Yakubu and Head of Delegation Capt. Rasulun Kashim as they seek to further develop the nation’s boxing programme.
