Bayelsa teen-boxers draw inspiration from Claressa Shields for NDG glory
Bayelsa State’s boxing team will carry huge expectations into today’s finals of the Niger Delta Games as two teenage fighters Joseph Blessed Elou and Inemo Selemoboere stand on the brink
Bayelsa State’s boxing team will carry huge expectations into today’s finals of the Niger Delta Games as two teenage fighters Joseph Blessed Elou and Inemo Selemoboere stand on the brink of gold, fuelled by confidence, courage and inspiration from global boxing icon Claressa Shields.
Seventeen-year-old Joseph Blessed Elou announced herself in emphatic fashion in the Girls 60kg semi-final, stopping Rivers State’s Obani Onhyenatuluchi via technical knockout after the referee halted the contest.
The Bayelsa youngster will now square up against Akwa Ibom’s Naomi Alexander in what promises to be a thrilling final. Alexander earned her place in the title bout after defeating Edo State’s Favour Okolo in the other semi-final clash.
Despite it being her first major competition, Elou has shown composure beyond her years.
“I was confident I would win it. I won it by a knockout after the referee stopped the contest. This is my first major competition and I am enjoying it,” she said. “I know that if I become afraid I might forget what my coaches taught me.”
Elou draws her fighting spirit from Shields, the undefeated American great widely known as the “GWOAT,” who has dominated multiple weight divisions without tasting defeat.
“Claressa Shields is my role model. I know I must continue to improve and must be myself in the ring to win. I am 17 years old and I hope to continue to do my best in the sport.”
With confidence surging and a gold medal within reach, Elou believes staying true to her training and instincts will be key today.
In the Girls 65kg category, Inemo Selemoboere battled past Delta State’s Promise Ebinum in a hard-fought semi-final to book her ticket to the final. She will now face Oluwatoba Oluwapamilerin Oluwaferanmi, who advanced via walkover.
For Selemoboere, the journey has been rapid. Having started boxing only in 2023, this marks just her second major competition after participating in a South-South versus South-West meet.
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Yet her belief is unwavering.
“It was not easy because all in the competition came with the intention of winning. I think I am going to win the gold medal.”
She too looks up to Shields, whose dominance and consistency have left a lasting impression.
“Claressa Shields has remained very consistent and has not yet lost a bout since she started. She’s powerful.”
Selemoboere also expressed gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Dunamis icon for creating opportunities for young athletes.
“I want to say thank you to the NDDC and my message to them is to continue to organise competitions like this for young athletes like us.”
