By Ebireri Henry Ovie
Twenty-four female boxers will compete at the inaugural Kehinde Joy Obareh Female Boxing Show on Sunday at the Brai Ayonote Gym, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Organisers said the event, themed “She Fights, She Wins,” is aimed at promoting women’s boxing, supporting aspiring female athletes and increasing awareness of the sport in Nigeria.
Bouts are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., with participants representing boxing clubs from across the country. The competition will feature boxers including Gafar Fathia, Adeshina Zainab, Adepoju Rokibat, Ajayi Nimotallah, Adeniji Aliyat, Adegboega Princess, Idowu Busao, Bibiloye Kabirat, Lawal Fathia, Kazeem Fathia, Sodipe Damilola, Ismail Abibat, Oluwafemi Oluwanifemi, Adebisi Adenike and Kareem Shukurat, among others.
According to the organisers, the tournament seeks to provide opportunities for female boxers to showcase their talent while encouraging greater participation in the sport.The event is named after Kehinde Joy Obareh, a Nigerian boxer and kickboxer who has represented the country at national and international competitions.
Obareh began boxing at the age of 15 in Lagos and has competed in more than 100 bouts. She recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Boxing Coaching and earned a Bronze Coaching Certificate in the United States. She is currently studying Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University.
