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Nigeria's Armed Forces are vying for their first gold medal at the 6th African Military Boxing Championship taking place in Rabat, Morocco. So far, they have secured four bronze medals, and two fighters remain in the chase for the top prize.
The Nigerian team, headed by coach Aweda Kehinde, a former Olympian from the 1996 Atlanta Games and current Nigeria Army boxing coach, has showcased remarkable performances since the championship commenced on June 14th and will conclude on Sunday, the 22nd.
Team Nigeria has amassed four bronze medals and has the opportunity for additional accolades as two boxers advance in the competition.
Rilwan Lawal of the Nigeria Army has reached the finals, poised to earn the nation its first gold at the tournament, signifying the apex of Nigeria’s endeavors in Morocco.
Gbadamosi Quadri, also from the Nigerian Army, is competing in the semi-finals, providing another chance for the Nigerian team to secure gold.
The bronze medalists have already assured Nigeria a commendable presence at the continental championship.
Balogun Emmanuel Adeola from the Air Force achieved bronze after a challenging campaign in his weight category.
Likewise, Samson Kazeem from the Nigerian Army claimed bronze, contributing to the Army's impressive medal collection. Ambrose Godwin, another representative of the Nigerian Army, also earned bronze in his division.
Akeem Adebamiji from the Nigerian Navy secured bronze as well, highlighting the contribution of all three branches of Nigeria’s Armed Forces to the overall medal tally and showcasing the diverse boxing talent within the military.
The championship has presented varied outcomes for some Nigerian fighters; Qoyum Qozeem from the Nigerian Army was knocked out in the quarter-finals, while Balogun Al-Ameen Olamide of the Air Force met a similar fate at the same stage. This tournament in Rabat serves as a vital platform for Nigeria’s military boxers to exhibit their skills on a continental level.
Coach Kehinde's background as a former Olympian has been instrumental in getting the team ready for the demands of international competition.
The championship in Morocco continues to deliver exciting boxing, with Nigeria’s representatives proving they can stand toe-to-toe with the finest military boxers in Africa.
As the tournament approaches its finale, attention will focus on Lawal’s final match and Quadri’s semi-final clash, with the possibility of elevating Nigeria's commendable performance to an outstanding one through gold medal achievements.
