NAIROBI, KENYA — At the back of Staff Nigeria’s outstanding resurgence on the African Elite Males’s and Ladies’s Boxing Championships 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, lies an inspiring tale of choice, mental restoration and the tireless efforts of the training workforce.
Probably the most key figures at the back of the turnaround is Mary Obo Ekpo, Go River State head trainer and certainly one of 3 coaches accompanying Nigeria’s boxing contingent to the championship.
Talking completely to Sports247, Ekpo printed how Sunday’s disappointing effects turned into a turning level for the Nigerian boxers, who replied with renewed self belief and backbone.
“Sunday was once no longer an afternoon I’d need to speak about,” she admitted, reflecting at the painful defeats that threatened Nigeria’s championship ambitions.
On the other hand, moderately than permitting the setbacks to damage the group’s self belief, Ekpo defined that the training workforce straight away started motivating the athletes.
“We needed to communicate to them and encourage them. That was once no longer what we deliberate for, but it surely introduced out the most efficient in our boxers. From Monday and now Tuesday, everyone can see the effects,” she defined.
The turnaround has noticed Nigeria produce 5 finalists, together with Ridwan Raheem, Ajishola Khadijat, Valuable Anine, Blessing Orakwe and Patricia Mbata.
Ekpo, who’s continuously noticed supporting Nigerian warring parties at ringside, insisted that the group arrived in Kenya adequately ready, even if surprising demanding situations affected some early performances.
She reserved particular appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging his management’s improve for Nigerian sports activities.
She additionally recommended Nationwide Sports activities Fee Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-Basic Hon. Bukola Olopade for his or her contributions to sports activities construction.
The skilled trainer additional applauded Nigeria Boxing Federation President Adebayo Olawale Edun and Vice President Omonlei Yakubu Imadu for supporting the group’s participation in Nairobi.
In step with Ekpo, Nigerian boxers want extra world competitions to sharpen their talents and develop into more potent contenders.
However her most powerful message was once reserved for the ones questioning whether or not Nigeria may just go back house with honours.
“Something I will guarantee them is that we’re coming again with medals. Now not one, no longer two, no longer 3, however medals!” she declared.
For Ekpo, the championship has demonstrated that setbacks can develop into stepping stones to luck when athletes obtain the fitting motivation, technical steering and institutional improve.
And with 5 finalists sporting Nigeria’s hopes, the decided trainer believes the most efficient is but to return.