Nigerian boxer Abdulramon Abdulwahab has broken his silence following his controversial 4–1 defeat to Egypt’s Hekal Ahmed at the ongoing African Boxing Elite Championships 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, revealing that his opponent approached him immediately after their encounter to offer congratulations before the judges announced a decision that stunned spectators.
The Nigerian fighter, who competed in the men’s light middleweight (65–70kg) category, said he was confident in his performance throughout the three-round contest and believed he had done enough to secure victory.
According to Abdulwahab, the Egyptian boxer’s reaction immediately after the final bell reinforced his belief that he had produced a winning performance.
“My opponent came to congratulate me immediately after the fight. Even he was surprised when the decision was announced,” Abdulwahab revealed.
The Nigerian’s account adds another dimension to the controversy surrounding the contest, which attracted criticism from some spectators and boxers from Angola who believed Abdulwahab had controlled much of the action from the opening round to the final bell.
Despite the disappointment, the determined boxer insisted that he would not allow the outcome to derail his ambition or affect his commitment to the sport.
“I know what I did inside the ring. I know the effort I put into the fight. But I want to put the disappointment behind me and continue improving in my profession,” he said.
Abdulwahab explained that his experience competing at major international competitions had taught him the importance of remaining mentally strong, particularly when confronted with results that do not reflect his personal assessment of a fight.
Reflecting on his previous international exposure, including his experience at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Nigerian boxer suggested that Nairobi was not the first occasion on which he had faced disappointment in his boxing journey.
“I was at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I know what happened there too. But I don’t want to keep looking backwards. I want to put every disappointment behind me and concentrate on becoming a better boxer,” he stated.
His remarks underline the emotional challenges faced by athletes who invest enormous time, energy and resources preparing for major competitions, only to encounter decisions they find difficult to accept.
For Abdulwahab, however, the experience in Nairobi has strengthened his determination to remain focused on the bigger picture.
He maintained that dwelling on controversial decisions would serve little purpose if it prevented him from developing his skills and preparing for future opportunities.
“I am looking at the future. I will not allow this disappointment to distract me. I will continue to work hard and improve myself,” he declared.
The Nigerian’s reaction comes amid growing discussion among some boxing stakeholders over officiating at the continental championship, particularly following another disputed decision involving Nigerian female boxer Aishat Gbadamosi, who lost 3–1 to Algeria’s Douaa Rouaz.
Both outcomes have generated debate among spectators, with some calling for greater transparency in judging and clearer explanations of decisions that attract significant disagreement.
Although Abdulwahab’s account of his opponent’s congratulatory gesture is striking, the Egyptian boxer’s reported reaction has not been independently confirmed, and it does not in itself establish an officiating error.
The official result remains a 4–1 victory for Egypt’s Hekal Ahmed.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian boxer’s determination to move forward rather than become consumed by disappointment has emerged as a significant aspect of the story.
His response also mirrors that of compatriot Aishat Gbadamosi, who immediately began reviewing footage of her fight after her defeat, demonstrating a similar commitment to learning and improvement.
For both Nigerian athletes, the Nairobi championship may not have delivered the results they desired, but their reactions suggest that the experience will become part of their development rather than the end of their ambitions.
As questions surrounding the judging continue, Abdulwahab remains focused on the one area he believes he can control: his preparation, performance and future in boxing.
“I know what I did in the ring. I will not allow disappointment to distract me. My focus is on the future,” he maintained.
For the Nigerian fighter, the message from Nairobi is clear: a controversial defeat may change the official record, but it will not determine the direction of his boxing career.
