Nigeria’s Zainab Adeshina Advances to Semi-Finals in 51kg Boxing Event
Nigeria’s Zainab Adeshina has made a significant impact at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 51kg boxing event after defeating Iran’s Ghazaleh Rasouli in the quarter-finals.
Adeshina secured her spot in the next round by knocking out her opponent in just 2 minutes and 28 seconds of the first round during Thursday’s match. This impressive performance not only highlights her skill but also reinforces her potential to compete for the gold medal in the flyweight division.
The Nigerian boxing team arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, preparing for the sixth edition of the Games, which will take place from November 7 to 21. The team, led by coach Abayomi Oyeleye, includes Adeshina and Ridwan Raheem, who competes in the welterweight (65kg) category.
Before their departure, the boxers underwent a three-week intensive training camp in Abuja, ensuring they were in peak condition for the competition. Their preparation was further supported by the Nigerian Boxing Federation, which expressed confidence in their performance.
The vice-president of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, visited the team during their training camp and praised their readiness. He stated that the Federation is optimistic about achieving good results at the Games, given the team’s strong preparation.
Overview of the Islamic Solidarity Games
The Islamic Solidarity Games bring together athletes from member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) across a range of sports. This year’s edition features 21 sports and two para-sports, showcasing a diverse array of athletic talent.
This marks the second time that Saudi Arabia has hosted the event, following its inaugural hosting in 2005. The country continues to play a key role in promoting sports and unity among Islamic nations.
Key Details About the Nigerian Team
- Team Leader:Coach Abayomi Oyeleye
- Boxers Participating:
- Zainab Adeshina (51kg)
- Ridwan Raheem (65kg)
- Training Camp Location:Abuja
- Duration of Training:Three weeks
- Federation Support:Provided by the Nigerian Boxing Federation
The team’s journey to the Islamic Solidarity Games reflects months of dedication and hard work. With Adeshina’s early success, the Nigerian boxing team is well-positioned to make a strong showing in the upcoming matches.
As the Games continue, fans and supporters are eagerly watching to see if Adeshina can secure a gold medal and bring home another prestigious title for Nigeria.