Team Lagos Dominates Boxing At National Sports Festival With 14 Medals
By Saheed Afolabi
Team Lagos boxers delivered a stunning performance at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the “Gateway Games 2024,” held at Baptist Boys High School, Saje, Abeokuta.
They clinched an unprecedented and impressive 14 medals, solidifying their position at the top of the boxing event.
The Lagos pugilists took other states to the cleaners by securing seven gold, two silver, and five bronze medals across various weight categories, demonstrating exceptional skill and outclassing their opponents.
This commanding display underscores Lagos’s reputation for significant investment in sports infrastructure, which continues to yield impressive results in boxing and other disciplines.
The first gold for Team Lagos came from Idowu Mistura in the 55kg category, who decisively defeated Ayomide Mayowa of host state Ogun with a 5-0 decision. Ajishola Kadijat followed suit, claiming gold in the 65kg category with a similarly dominant performance.
All-African Games gold medallist Blessing Orakwe added to the tally in the 77kg division, securing a unanimous 5-0 victory over Patricia Mbaka of Kaduna. Adeshina Zainab showcased her sharp punches and balanced footwork in the 48kg category, narrowly edging out Delta’s Glory Ighomi with a 3-2 split decision for another gold.
In the men’s division, Micheal Olomitutu proved his prowess by overpowering Oseme Ochuko of Delta State in the 85kg category, marking a significant comeback after failing to win in his debut at Delta 2022. Abijuwon Faruq secured gold in the 58kg category by defeating Ogun boxer Oshikoya Faruq. Rounding out the gold medalists, Akanni Muibat Anuoluwapo triumphed in the 50kg category.
Team Lagos also earned two silver medals, with Omotajo Semiu Olamilekan in the 75kg weight and Ikimot Jinadu in the -65kg weight. Bronze medals were secured by Abdullah Robiu (60kg), Adigun Oluwadamilola Mariam (+81kg), Obanla Saka Opeyemi (-80kg), Omotajo Qudus (65kg), and Lateef Qudus (55kg).
Reflecting on his win, Michael Olomitutu expressed the privilege of representing Lagos State at Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event.
