Nigeria's Boxing Team Wins Three Golds at Championships

Team Nigeria had a successful outing at the African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya, securing three gold medals and one silver. Ajishola Khadijat initiated the gold rush by winning the women’s 51 to 54kg division with a unanimous 5 to 0 decision against Algeria’s Malak Noir E. Precious Anine followed suit, claiming Nigeria’s second gold by defeating Algeria’s Benane Djouher in the women’s 60 to 65kg final.

Team captain Blessing Orakwe delivered a powerful performance, knocking out Kenya’s Akinyi Elizabeth in the first round of the women’s 75 to 80kg final, marking Nigeria’s third gold. Patricia Mbata earned a silver medal in the women’s 70 to 75kg category after a narrow 3 to 2 split decision loss to Egypt’s Aboelfead Nabila.

Despite facing five defeats in the opening phase, the team’s resurgence validated the confidence of the technical crew, including Cross River State head coach Mary Obo Ekpo, who had anticipated multiple medals.