NAIROBI, KENYA — After a disastrous Sunday that noticed 4 Nigerian boxers crash out with out a single victory, Team Nigeria lastly discovered one thing to rejoice on the African Boxing Championships 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, as Ridwan Raheem reportedly defeated Algeria’s Ismail Bekhsis in a vital welterweight encounter.
Raheem, competing within the males’s 60–65kg class, confronted the Algerian in Bout 35 of Monday’s programme, carrying the hopes of a Nigerian contingent determined to place Sunday’s disappointments behind them.
The Nigerian entered the ring from the crimson nook towards Bekhsis within the blue nook, with the encounter representing a chance to revive confidence following a tough opening weekend.
The victory, as reported, offered a welcome breakthrough for Nigeria after 4 consecutive defeats had raised issues in regards to the workforce’s prospects on the continental championship.
Sunday’s setbacks included Aishat Gbadamosi’s disputed 3–1 loss to Algeria’s Douaa Rouaz and Abdulramon Abdulwahab’s controversial 4–1 defeat towards Egypt’s Hekal Ahmed.
Emmanuel Chuwuka and Kenneth Anigboro additionally reportedly suffered defeats towards Kenya and Uganda respectively, finishing a irritating day for the Nigerian delegation.
However, Raheem’s success towards Algeria provided a distinct storyline, demonstrating that Team Nigeria nonetheless had alternatives to make its presence felt in Nairobi.
The outcome was significantly vital as a result of it got here towards one other Algerian opponent, a day after Gbadamosi’s defeat had generated debate amongst spectators.
For Nigeria Boxing Federation board member and Head of Delegation Capt. Rasulun Kashim, the victory would encourage his earlier expression of confidence within the nation’s boxing expertise.
Kashim had maintained that Nigerian boxers possessed the power to compete efficiently regardless of disappointing outcomes.
With Nigeria having arrived on the championship with 10 boxers, Raheem’s reported victory provides renewed hope for the delegation as the match progresses.
From 4 defeats on Sunday to a welcome breakthrough on Monday, Team Nigeria’s Nairobi marketing campaign has lastly produced a purpose to rejoice.
For Ridwan Raheem, the outcome represents greater than a person success. It is a crucial morale enhance for a workforce decided to recuperate from its tough begin.
