Boxer Ogunsemilore qualifies for Olympics, two others close

Ogunsemilore qualified for the Paris Olympics after she knocked out Zambian Nkandu Felistars in round two of the women’s 60kg to progress to the final, which was enough to earn her a place in Paris.

“This is the time for me to shine, this is the time for me to be the world champion, for people to know me, this is the time my name will ring, my family name will ring, I am so so excited,” Ogunsemilore stated after her qualification.

Omole Dolapo secured his spot in the final of the men’s 57kg, after he recorded a unanimous decision (5-0) win over Cameroonian boxer Sangue Christian. Dolapo knocked down Christian in round two of the fight on his way to victory.

The third Nigerian who qualified for the final is Olaore Adams, who dominate every round to secure a unanimous decision (5-0) win over Moroccan Maanni Ayoub in the men’s 92kg.

In the fourth fight, Patricia Mbata lost by split decision (1-4) against world champion Moroccan Mardi Khadija in the women’s 75kg.

Adeola Oyesiji’s chase for a spot in the Olympics came to an end in the fifth fight after a unanimous decision (0-5) defeat to Algerian and Olympian Boualam Roumaysa at the Women’s 50kg semi-final stage.

In Thursday’s final match, Ojo Joy lost to Congolese boxer Sakobi Marcelat by split decision (1-4) in the women’s 57kg.