The Nigerian national boxing team flew all the way from Lagos to Accra for an international friendly boxing tournament against Ghana’s Black Bombers and Hitters on Thursday, 7 May at the Accra Sports Stadium, as preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Before the exchanges of friendly punches, the president of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF), Chief Adebayo Olawale Edun, called on Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Director General of the National Sports Authority of Ghana, and they had very fruitful deliberations.
Also known as Wale Edun, a Nigerian economist, investment banker, and politician who served as minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said it is ideal for African nations to see each other as brothers.
Other Nigerian officials present were Tonye Ageba – Coach, Laguda Babatunde – Technical chairman, Lazarus Hirekaan – Doctor, Vivian AKohwarien – Secretary General, and Omolie Yakubu Imadu – Vice President.
The issues discussed centered on bilateral relations and exchange programmes where officials and boxers from both countries will have travel opportunities.
They also talked about winning more medals for the West African sub-region to prove their prowess in sports, especially boxing.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority, said such collaborations and competitions are healthy and friendly. He was happy with the fans’ turnout at very short notice.
While Nigeria dominated the female category, Ghana won all but one in the male class. The package put together by the Ghana Boxing Federation, with support from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and National Sports Authority (NSA), was attended by dignitaries like Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Hon. Kobi Wayome, Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, Richard Akpokavie, Nana Adu Mankatah, and George Lampte.
Other dignitaries present at the fight night venue were Roger Barnor, Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, Carl Lokko, and Benard Quartey. Edward Osei, CEO of PKO, Hon. Imadu Yakubu Omonlei -Vice President, Nigeria Boxing Federation, and others.
The Black Bombers and the female team, the Black Hitters, were handled by senior coaches Dr. Ofori Asare and Charles Quartey during the encounter, and they commended the Nigerian boxers.
President of the GBF, Dauda Fuseni, said the pre-tournament bill was very good as it solidifies the relationship between the two nations, while testing the boxers.
The GOC President, Richard Akpokavie Esq, congratulated the organisers and boxers. He prayed that more gold medals come to West Africa.
In the exciting bouts of the night, Nigeria won the female bouts, leaving the Black Hitters more work to do. In the Bantamweight -54Kg Ramatu Quaye lost 0-5 to Kadijat Ajisola. In the Featherweight-57kg, Nancy Bamfo of Ghana was beaten 2 -3 by Aishat Gbadamosi.
Sensational Orakwe Blessing – African champion at 75kg could not get an opponent, so she did not test her pulse in Ghana.
In the men’s Bantamweight-55kg, Amadu Mohammed was too good and won 5 – 0 against Michael Ogunremi, while in the Lightweight-60 kg, Ebenezer Ankrah won 5 – 0 over Sodiq Oduniyi, then in the Light Welterweight-65kg, veteran Abdul Wahid Omar won 3-2 against Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab.
The Light Middleweight-70kg saw Khalid Abdul losing 2 -3 against Folly Hassan, while in the Light Heavyweight-80kg, Desmond Pappoe proved too strong and skillful to win 4-1 against Daniel Joshua of Nigeria
By Sammy Heywood Okine
