Team Nigeria boxing coach Mary Ekpo is confident the country can win several gold medals at the African Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. This comes after five Nigerian boxers made it to the finals.
Nigeria had a tough start at the competition. The team faced five losses early on before the coaches stepped in to lift the fighters' spirits and get them ready for their next matches.
Ekpo, one of three coaches with the Nigerian team, said the boxers’ reaction to the early losses was promising. She feels good about Nigeria's chances as the competition moves into its final rounds.
“Sunday was not a day I would want to talk about,” Ekpo said, looking back on the team’s initial challenges.
“We had to talk to them and motivate them. That was not what we planned for, but it brought out the best in our boxers. From Monday and now Tuesday, everybody can see the results,” she added.
The boxers have improved, with Ridwan Raheem, Ajishola Khadijat, Precious Anine, Blessing Orakwe, and Patricia Mbata making it to the finals. This gives Nigeria five chances to win gold.
As the finalists prepare to compete for medals, Ekpo is hopeful that the team's progress will lead to a good medal count for Nigeria.
The coach also pointed out that Nigerian boxers need more chances to compete internationally. She believes that taking part in major competitions regularly will help them sharpen their skills and gain experience against tough opponents.
Nigeria is now looking to turn its five final spots into gold medals as the championships continue in Nairobi.
The competition kicked off on October 15 and will run until October 28.
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