Selemoboere seeks Olympics dream after Niger Delta Games glory
Inemo Selemoboere of Team Bayelsa produced a commanding performance to defeat Oluwatoba Oluwapamilerin Oluwaferanmi of Team Ondo by knockout in the final of the Female 65kg Boxing event at the
Inemo Selemoboere of Team Bayelsa produced a commanding performance to defeat Oluwatoba Oluwapamilerin Oluwaferanmi of Team Ondo by knockout in the final of the Female 65kg Boxing event at the Edo 2026 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City.
The Bayelsa pugilist showed composure and aggression from the opening bell, dictating the pace of the contest before sealing victory with a decisive knockout that sent her supporters into wild celebrations. Her triumph not only secured gold but also delivered Bayelsa’s only gold medal at the boxing event of the Games.
An elated Selemoboere described the victory as a dream come true, especially as it marked her first time representing Bayelsa State at a major competition.
“I am happy because I am the only person that won a gold medal for Team Bayelsa in Benin City in Boxing. It feels so good to win the medal for my state,” she said.
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She attributed her success to months of rigorous preparation and unwavering belief in her ability to triumph in the ring.
“I have been training for a long while and these trainings gave me the conviction that I could win.
"This is my first time representing my state and I pray this will fuel me to do something better in the future. I want to put in more effort to win more laurels and continue to make myself and my family proud.”
The gold medallist dedicated her victory to her parents, Mr. Inemo Benson and Mrs. Inemo Comfort, as well as her coaches : Tonye Agedah, Peace Epie and Oye Poku and her teammates for their support and guidance throughout her journey.
She paid special tribute to her father, a former wrestler, whose sporting background played a vital role in shaping her mind-set.
“My dad has been encouraging me because he was once a wrestler before he retired from sports. When I started boxing, he gave me so much encouragement. He always tells me to put in more effort and that I will go places if I can endure.”
Looking ahead, Selemoboere has her sights firmly set on greater heights. Beyond dominating at state and national levels, she dreams of taking her talent overseas particularly to the United States and ultimately representing Nigeria at the Olympic Games.
