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WafricNews - June 20, 2025

Nigeria's Military Boxers Eye History as Gold Medal Beckons in Morocco

Team Nigeria is turning heads and tightening gloves in Rabat, Morocco, as the nation’s Armed Forces close in on their first-ever gold medal at the 6th African Military Boxing Championship. With four bronze medals already in the bag and two elite fighters still in contention, the Nigerian flag could soon rise highest on the podium.

The championship, which kicked off on June 14 and is scheduled to end on June 22, has been a fierce continental battleground. But for Nigeria’s team—spearheaded by former Olympian Coach Aweda Kehinde—it’s been a campaign of grit, glory, and growing expectations. Kehinde, who represented Nigeria at the 1996 Atlanta Games, now leads the charge as head coach of the Nigerian Army’s boxing squad, bringing decades of high-level experience to the ringside.

Medal Momentum: Bronze Wins Across All Forces

So far, Nigeria has clinched four bronze medals, a feat that reflects the collective strength of all three military branches:

  • Balogun Emmanuel Adeola (Air Force) – battled through the early rounds to secure a podium finish.

  • Samson Kazeem (Army) – brought home bronze, boosting the Army’s medal count.

  • Ambrose Godwin (Army) – another Army boxer who punched his way into the top three.

  • Akeem Adebamiji (Navy) – made sure the Navy also had a stake in the team’s success.

These wins not only signify individual brilliance but also showcase the depth of talent spread across the Nigerian Armed Forces. Whether from the skies, the sea, or the trenches, Nigeria’s fighters are proving their mettle.

Golden Hope: Lawal and Quadri Take Center Stage

But the story isn’t over yet.

Rilwan Lawal, a formidable fighter from the Nigerian Army, has stormed into the final—just one win away from rewriting history. If victorious, Lawal will deliver Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal at the African Military Boxing Championship. His performance has been hailed as the highlight of Nigeria’s campaign so far, and expectations are high as he prepares to step into the ring for the ultimate prize.

Joining him in the spotlight is Gbadamosi Quadri, also from the Army, who has reached the semi-final stage. A win would not only guarantee at least a silver medal but would also give Nigeria a second shot at gold. With both boxers in peak form, the Nigerian camp is brimming with cautious optimism.

Hard Fights and Narrow Misses

Not every journey has ended with a medal. Promising fighters like Qoyum Qozeem (Army) and Balogun Al-Ameen Olamide (Air Force) fell short at the quarter-final stage. Their exits were hard-fought and have added valuable lessons to Nigeria’s growing reputation on the continental boxing scene.

Coach Kehinde, reflecting on the tournament so far, praised the team’s resilience:

“We’ve seen the progress, the fire, and the fight. These boxers are representing more than just themselves — they’re representing the strength and unity of our Armed Forces. We’re not done yet.”

More Than Medals: Nigeria’s Statement to Africa

Beyond the punch-for-punch battles, Nigeria’s showing in Rabat is a loud message: the country is no longer just participating — it's competing at the highest level. From training regimens to tactical execution, the Nigerian squad has shown it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Africa’s best.

The inclusion of medallists from Army, Air Force, and Navy also signals a coordinated military effort and a shared vision for sporting excellence across the services.

Final Countdown: Can Nigeria Strike Gold?

As the championship draws to a close this weekend, all eyes are fixed on the final showdowns. Lawal’s final bout and Quadri’s semi-final clash could transform an already commendable run into a historic triumph.

Whether or not the gold medals come home, Nigeria has already proven it belongs on the elite stage of African military boxing.


WafricNews Sports Desk.

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