Paris 2024: Zainab Adeshina’s Defeat Ends Nigeria’s Boxing Hopes for Olympic

Team Nigeria’s hopes of Olympic participation in boxing were shattered when their final representative, Zainab Adeshina was defeated in the women’s 50kg category.

Competing in the 50kg weight class, Adeshina had previously secured a hard-fought 3-2 split decision victory over Jordanian Nassar Hanan, propelling her to the quarter-finals of the fiercely contested event.

However, her Olympic dream was dashed after suffering a defeat in Bangkok at the hands of Kaivo-Oja Pihla from Finland.

Additionally, UK-based Patricia Mbata faced disappointment in the 75kg category, losing 5-0 to Mexican Ortiz Citlalli Vanessa.

Despite the efforts of all six Nigerian boxers who participated in the 2nd World Boxing Olympic Qualification in Thailand across various weight classes, none secured a ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games.

While a victory in the quarter-finals would have guaranteed Olympic qualification, Nigeria fell short against their opponents, resulting in their inability to secure a spot in the boxing event at the Olympics in France.

Nevertheless, Team Nigeria remains determined to excel in other sports at the Olympics, including athletics, badminton, women’s basketball, women’s football (Super Falcons), table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, and more.