Three Nigerian boxers have qualified for Paris 2024 Olympic Games after winning their bouts in the final of the Africa Olympic Boxing qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, at the weekend.
Nine boxers travelled to Dakar to represent Nigeria at the qualifiers, eight advanced to the quarter-finals, and six made it to the semi-final of the competition while three qualified for the final and all three claimed gold medals after beating their opponents.
The journey to glory began with a monumental clash as Cynthia Ogunsemilore squared off against Algeria’s Khelif Hadjila in the Women’s 60kg category. The Nigerian powerhouse left no room for doubt, securing a remarkable unanimous decision victory (5-0) as she clinched the first gold medal for Nigeria at the competition.
Joshua Omole picked up where Ogunsemilore left off when he entered the ring to face Ethiopia’s Leta Yadesa in the Men’s 57kg category.
With unyielding determination, Omole secured a unanimous decision victory (5-0), earning himself the featherweight gold medal.