African Games: Mbata, Oraekwe reach boxing semis

Two female Nigerian boxers Patricia Mbata (70-75kg) and Blessing Oraekwe (66-70kg) are through to the semi-finals of their event at the ongoing 2023 African Games in Ghana after being drawn bye, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The pairings were done on Wednesday ahead of the commencement of action in the ring on Friday (today), as 11 countries have already won medals with eight women boxers receiving byes to the semi-finals and finals in different categories.

The byes are due to few entries recorded in some of their weight categories.

Countries already assured of medals even before the event starts today are Tunisia, Zambia, Algeria, Ghana, Egypt, DR Congo, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Morocco and Tanzania.

In the semi-finals, Mbata will face Rady Gramane of Mozambique just as Oraekwe will fight for a spot in the final against Iben Zina of Tunisia.

Meanwhile, some boxers will begin their quest in the last eight, including Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Cynthia Ogunsemilore, who will also be fighting in the lightweight category against Erina Namutebi of Uganda.