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By Peter Akinbo
Five Nigerian boxers have secured spots in the finals of the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, following their impressive performances in the semi-finals, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Zainab Adeshina led the charge when she defeated Grace Fanhbulleh from Liberia by a resounding 5-0 victory to secure her place in the final of the women’s 50kg category.
Joining Adeshina in the finals is Joy Ojo, who delivered a stellar performance against Khouloud Hlimi of Tunisia, to advance to the final of the women’s 57kg event.
In the women’s 75kg, UK-based Patricia Mbata, who recently lost in the final of the World Olympics Qualifiers in Italy, defeated Gramane Adosinda of Mozambique by points to also qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Dolapo Omole, who already qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics last year, defeated Ngulube Albert of Zambia with a commanding 5-0 victory to secure his place in the final of the men’s 57kg event.
Adding to Nigeria’s success, another UK-based boxer Adams Olaore, who has also qualified for the Olympics, delivered a dominant performance by following up his KO win in the quarter-finals with a 5-0 points win in the semis.
Olaore beat Egypt’s Ali Ibrahim to book his place in the final stage of the men’s 92kg category.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore followed this up by defeating Algerian Hadjila Khelif by points 4-1 to advance to the final stage of women’s 60kg event.
In the first KO win of the semi-final, Blessing Oraekwe stopped Tunisia’s Iben Zina Eya in round two via a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the women’s 70kg to book her spot in the final.
Kareem Shukura then continued the train by stopping Kenyan Faki Amina Martha in round one via Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the women’s 54kg contest, to also book her final place.