Nigerian boxer Mayowa gets quarter-final bye at Youth Olympics

Nigeria’s Shukurat Mayowa has received a bye to the quarter-finals of the women’s 48kg boxing event at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where she will face the winner of Sunday’s preliminary bout between Algeria’s Bouthaina Bensalah and Thailand’s Pemika Payungkasem.

The 17-year-old pugilist is Nigeria’s sole boxing representative at the multi-sport event taking place in Senegal. She secured her spot at the Games following an impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.

Her quest for Youth Olympic Games gold begins on Tuesday, November 10, at DEX Pavilion C inside the Dakar Expo Centre.

Bensalah and Payungkasem will clash in Bout 17 on Sunday afternoon, with the winner advancing to face the Nigerian prospect in the last eight.

A quarter-final victory would take Mayowa into the semi-finals on Wednesday, November 11, while the gold medal bout is scheduled for Thursday, November 12.

Although boxing events kick off on Saturday, November 7, Mayowa will not enter the ring until her quarter-final tie on Tuesday.

Her delayed entry comes as Nigeria continues its search for a first podium finish at the Senegal Games following the conclusion of beach volleyball, table tennis and swimming events.

The country’s remaining medal hopes lie in boxing, cycling and athletics.

Cycling and athletics action will commence on Sunday, November 8, with 17-year-old Ringnan Danjuma competing in the women’s individual time trial, while nine track and field stars represent Nigeria across various disciplines.

Gift Bright will feature in the men’s 100m, Obanla Ehuwa in the men’s high jump, while Faith Ezechukwu and Rita Chisom Ezeh contest the women’s 400m and 400m hurdles, respectively.

Godswill Nkemakolam will compete in the men’s javelin, while Rosemary Nwankwo and Treasure Omosivwe line up in the women’s 100m and 100m hurdles.

Gift Oghenerunor will contest the men’s 400m hurdles, while Praise Ugoh completes the athletics contingent in the women’s shot put.