Nigerian boxer Ridwan Raheem has underlined his willpower to safe convincing victories on the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, following his reported conquer Algeria’s Ismail Bekhsis.
Raheem, competing in the boys’s 60–65kg class, had expressed his want to depart no room for disputed judging choices amid considerations over the outcomes involving Nigerian boxers on the continental event.
“I am going to beat him convincingly because I don’t want to give any chance for any kind of controversial decision,” Raheem reportedly declared forward of the encounter.
His reported victory inspired Nigeria’s 10-member contingent after 5 boxers suffered defeats in the early phases of the championship.
Sunday proved significantly tough for Team Nigeria as Aishat Gbadamosi, Abdulramon Abdulwahab, Emmanuel Chuwuka and Kenneth Anigboro misplaced to opponents from Algeria, Egypt, Kenya and Uganda respectively.
However, the nation’s fortunes improved on Tuesday when two feminine boxers recorded spectacular unanimous-decision victories.
Ajishola Khadijat defeated Kenya’s Amina Martha 5-0 in Bout 41 of the ladies’s bantamweight (51–54kg) class.
Prious Iyabo adopted with one other commanding 5-0 victory over Egypt’s Ayyad Yomna in Bout 45 of the ladies’s welterweight (60–65kg) division.
The victories strengthened Nigeria’s hopes of recovering from its disappointing opening outcomes and remaining aggressive in the battle for medals.
Attention now turns to Blessing Orakyue, who’s scheduled to confront Uganda’s Aiwine Diana in Bout 47 of the ladies’s mild heavyweight (75–80kg) class.
With the championship persevering with in Nairobi, the Nigerian contingent shall be hoping to construct on its improved outcomes and convert the renewed momentum into medal-winning performances.
For Raheem, the emphasis stays on delivering performances convincing sufficient to take away doubts concerning the final result, a message that has gained significance amid Nigeria’s blended fortunes on the championship.
