Nigeria captain Blessing Orakwe produced a first-round stoppage of Uganda’s Aiwine Diana in the women’s 80kg semi-final, booking her place in the gold-medal contest at the 2026 African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Nairobi.
Orakwe’s emphatic performance formed part of a major Nigerian revival at the tournament, with five boxers progressing to the finals. Ridwan Raheem, Ajishola Khadijat, Precious Anine and Patricia Mbata will also contest for titles in their respective weight divisions.
“Blessing is back. Let them know I will crush whoever stands in my path,” Orakwe said after the semi-final. “I did not come here to play around. I am back.”
Coach Mary Obo Ekpo said the Nigerian team had been determined to recover following a challenging Sunday at the championships. The coaching staff held discussions with the athletes, she explained, aiming to rebuild their belief before the later rounds.
“We needed to speak to them and encourage them,” Ekpo said. “That was not what we had planned, but it brought the best out of the boxers. From Monday through Tuesday, everyone can see what has happened.”
Ekpo, who is Cross River State’s head coach and one of three coaches travelling with Nigeria’s delegation, said the squad had entered the event well prepared despite the early disappointments. She added that more opportunities to compete internationally would further improve the technical level of Nigerian fighters.
The coach also praised the backing received from President Bola Tinubu, National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko, director-general Bukola Olopade, Nigeria Boxing Federation president Adebayo Olawale Edun and vice-president Omonlei Yakubu Imadu.
With five Nigerians now through to championship bouts, Ekpo expects the delegation to return home with rewards for its efforts. “What I can promise is that we are returning with medals,” she said. “Not one, not two, not three, but medals.”
