Nigerian boxer Ridwan Raheem has underlined his determination to secure convincing victories at the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, following his reported triumph over Algeria’s Ismail Bekhsis.
Raheem, competing in the men’s 60–65kg category, had expressed his desire to leave no room for disputed judging decisions amid concerns over the results involving Nigerian boxers at the continental tournament.
“I am going to beat him convincingly because I don’t want to give any chance for any kind of controversial decision,” Raheem reportedly declared ahead of the encounter.
His reported victory encouraged Nigeria’s 10-member contingent after five boxers suffered defeats in the early stages of the championship.
Sunday proved particularly difficult for Team Nigeria as Aishat Gbadamosi, Abdulramon Abdulwahab, Emmanuel Chuwuka and Kenneth Anigboro lost to opponents from Algeria, Egypt, Kenya and Uganda respectively.
However, the country’s fortunes improved on Tuesday when two female boxers recorded impressive unanimous-decision victories.
Ajishola Khadijat defeated Kenya’s Amina Martha 5-0 in Bout 41 of the women’s bantamweight (51–54kg) category.
Prious Iyabo followed with another commanding 5-0 victory over Egypt’s Ayyad Yomna in Bout 45 of the women’s welterweight (60–65kg) division.
The victories strengthened Nigeria’s hopes of recovering from its disappointing opening results and remaining competitive in the battle for medals.
Attention now turns to Blessing Orakyue, who is scheduled to confront Uganda’s Aiwine Diana in Bout 47 of the women’s light heavyweight (75–80kg) category.
With the championship continuing in Nairobi, the Nigerian contingent will be hoping to build on its improved results and convert the renewed momentum into medal-winning performances.
For Raheem, the emphasis remains on delivering performances convincing enough to remove doubts about the outcome, a message that has gained significance amid Nigeria’s mixed fortunes at the championship.
