Team Akwa Ibom enjoyed a strong start in the boxing event at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, with all four of their boxers emerging victorious in their respective bouts on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Baptist High School, Abeokuta.
Johnbosco Chinecherem defeated his opponent from Kaduna State in the 80kg category, while Emediong Samuel Joe claimed a win over a Lagos boxer in the 70kg division.
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Edidiong Etim Daniel continued the winning streak by outclassing another Kaduna fighter in the 75kg category, and Elijah Chuks rounded off a perfect day for the team by overcoming his opponent from Ondo State in the 90kg bout.
Speaking after his win, Emediong Samuel Joe, who clinched a bronze medal in the last edition of the festival, expressed determination to achieve more this time.
“It was not as hard as I thought it would be,” he told Team Akwa Ibom Media. “I’m going to improve on the bronze I won last time.”
The young boxer also shared his long-term ambition: “I have a dream of representing Nigeria at the All African Games and the International Boxing Association (IBA) Championship before turning pro.”
Emediong credited American boxer Gervonta Davis as his childhood inspiration. “Growing up, I was inspired to become a boxer by Gervonta Davis of the USA. I loved his skills and passion for training. He is a very hardworking boxer,” he said.
The National Sports Festival continues throughout the week, and Team Akwa Ibom will be looking to build on their early success in boxing.
