Imadu backs Mbata, Oraekwe to deliver medals after early blows

Despite an early exit for four Nigerian boxers, Nigeria Boxing Federation vice president Omonlei Imadu remains optimistic that Patricia Mbata and Blessing Oraekwe can still secure medals for Team Nigeria at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The country's boxing campaign has faced significant setbacks, with the latest blow coming on Sunday.

Ajishola Kadijat was eliminated in the women's 54kg Round of 16 following a close 3-2 split decision loss to Wales' Helen Jones. This defeat extended Nigeria's struggles in the sport, as three other boxers had already been eliminated earlier in the competition. Ayomide Foly Hassan and Abdulramon Abdulwahab lost their Round of 32 bouts on Friday, followed by David Akintola's elimination on Saturday.

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We still got Blessing Oraekwe and Patricia Mbata to make us proud. We look forward to getting some medals through their performance and level of preparedness so far. It is not over yet.

"We still got Blessing Oraekwe and Patricia Mbata to make us proud. We look forward to getting some medals through their performance and level of preparedness so far. It is not over yet," Imadu stated. He also acknowledged the efforts of the eliminated fighters, saying, "They worked gallantly as great boxers. The exposure gotten is a great ingredient in furtherance to their career."

With four of the six-member boxing contingent already out, the pressure now rests on Mbata and Oraekwe. Mbata is scheduled to compete in the women's 75kg quarter-final against England's Mary Smith, while Oraekwe will face Australia's Lekeisha Pergoliti in the women's 70kg quarter-final. Boxing has historically been a strong medal-producing sport for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games, but the team is yet to achieve a breakthrough in Glasgow this year, despite success in other sports like para powerlifting.

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They worked gallantly as great boxers. The exposure gotten is a great ingredient in furtherance to their career.