Three Nigerian boxing sensations, Adam Olaore, Joshua Omole, and Cynthia Ogunsemilore, are gearing up to script history for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics by aiming for the nation’s first-ever gold medals in boxing, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Their journey to the pinnacle of Olympic glory began with a remarkable showing at the Africa Olympic Boxing qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, in 2023, where they clinched gold medals in their respective weight categories, securing their tickets to the Paris Games.
Ogunsemilore set the stage alight with a commanding victory over Algeria’s Khelif Hadjila, securing Nigeria’s first gold medal of the tournament in the Women’s 60kg category.
Omole followed suit with a dominant display against Ethiopia’s Leta Yadesa in the Men’s 57kg category, clinching another gold for Nigeria.
Not to be outdone, Olaore engaged in a fierce battle with Algeria’s Houmri Mohamed in the Men’s 92kg category, emerging victorious and earning his second African Championship title.
Since then, the three have also gone on to win gold medals in their weight classes at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana held in March.
The trio’s quest for Olympic gold carries the weight of history, as Nigeria has never claimed a gold medal in boxing despite participating in 13 Olympic Games since Tokyo 1964.
Boxing, which yielded Nigeria’s only medals at the nation’s first two Olympics (1964 and 1972), remains a cherished sport with deep roots in Nigerian sporting culture.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Olaore revealed his rigorous preparation regimen, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for Olympic glory saying, “Training has become even more intense and focused.
“I’m working closely with my coaches to fine-tune my skills and maintain peak physical condition. Mentally, I’m cultivating a winning mindset and channeling pressure into motivation.”
His goals are clear as he targets a gold medal which many have tried before and failed to win with Nigeria claiming three silver medals and three bronze medals in boxing at the Games.
