NAIROBI, KENYA — After a disastrous Sunday that saw four Nigerian boxers crash out without a single victory, Team Nigeria finally found something to celebrate at the African Boxing Championships 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, as Ridwan Raheem reportedly defeated Algeria’s Ismail Bekhsis in a crucial welterweight encounter.
Raheem, competing in the men’s 60–65kg category, faced the Algerian in Bout 35 of Monday’s programme, carrying the hopes of a Nigerian contingent desperate to put Sunday’s disappointments behind them.
The Nigerian entered the ring from the red corner against Bekhsis in the blue corner, with the encounter representing an opportunity to restore confidence following a difficult opening weekend.
The victory, as reported, provided a welcome breakthrough for Nigeria after four consecutive defeats had raised concerns about the team’s prospects at 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 against Egypt’s Hekal Ahmed.
Emmanuel Chuwuka and Kenneth Anigboro also reportedly suffered defeats against Kenya and Uganda respectively, completing a frustrating day for the Nigerian delegation.
However, Raheem’s success against Algeria offered a different storyline, demonstrating that Team Nigeria still had opportunities to make its presence felt in Nairobi.
The result was particularly significant because it came against another Algerian opponent, a day after Gbadamosi’s defeat had generated debate among spectators.
For Nigeria Boxing Federation board member and Head of Delegation Capt. Rasulun Kashim, the victory would encourage his earlier expression of confidence in the country’s boxing talent.
Kashim had maintained that Nigerian boxers possessed the ability to compete successfully despite disappointing results.
With Nigeria having arrived at the championship with 10 boxers, Raheem’s reported victory offers renewed hope for the delegation as the tournament progresses.
From four defeats on Sunday to a welcome breakthrough on Monday, Team Nigeria’s Nairobi campaign has finally produced a reason to celebrate.
For Ridwan Raheem, the result represents more than an individual success. It is an important morale boost for a team determined to recover from its difficult start.
