Nigeria is gearing up to send six boxers to the second phase of qualification tournaments for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, set to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. Dapo Akinyele, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), confirmed this development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Elite boxers from around the world will convene in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3 for the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifiers, with Nigeria’s focus primarily on female boxers. Akinyele highlighted the Federation’s strategy, indicating that they aim to secure berths for the Paris Games, with a planned lineup of four female and two male boxers. However, adjustments may be made to this plan, potentially reducing the total number to five, with three female and two male pugilists.

Emphasizing the importance of playing to Nigeria’s strengths, Akinyele expressed confidence in the country’s ability to secure spots at the 2024 Olympic Games. Nigeria’s representation in Bangkok will span various weight categories, including 50kg, 57kg, 66kg, 75kg, and +92kg.

Notably, during the first phase of Olympic Games Boxing Qualifiers held in Italy, none of the 67 African contenders managed to secure an Olympic slot. Beyond boxing, Team Nigeria will compete in a range of sports at the Paris Games, including athletics, badminton, female basketball, female football, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.