Three Nigerian boxers, Zainab Adeshina, Ifeanyi Onyekwere and Shukurah Kareem have qualified for the semi-finals of their respective weight categories at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Before securing his place in the semi-finals, Ifeanyi Onyekwere won Keddy Evans of Seychelles in the men’s 92+kg division, getting victory by a unanimous points decision of 5-0.
Similarly, Zainab Adeshina showcased her skill and determination in the women’s 50kg category, overcoming Mathiba Thandolwethu Truelove of South Africa with an impressive points decision of 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
The win for her marks a significant achievement in her sporting career after she secured her a coveted spot in the semis on Tuesday.
Kareem’s bout was on Monday and she secured her spot in the semis by defeating Sierra Leone’s Sara Haghighat-Joo 4-1 in the women’s 54kg quarter-finals, while Adeshina and Onyekwere fought on Sunday.
Adeshina, Onyekwere and Kareem have guaranteed themselves at least a bronze medal at the Games, having performed exceptionally well.
In reaction to the development, National team coach Tony Konyegwachie said he has full faith in his boxers to go all the way and claim gold medals as long as there are no external interference.
“These boxers are making me proud because they give their all in every fight and I expect a number of gold medals from this team that I have brought to the competition,”
“If all will be determined by their ability and there are no officiating problems, I am sure all of them who have advanced to the semi-finals will win gold medals,” the PUNCH Sports Extra.
