By Francis Ajuonuma
Imo state youth pugilist Ebere Nwoke says winning the gold medal in the men’s 70kg division will be mission accomplished .
Nwoke made the declaration on Sunday February 22, 2026, just moments after outpointing Godstime Goddy of Delta State via a 2-1 split decision to progress into the semifinals of the men’s event at the going Niger Delta Game in Edo.
His victory ensures Imo State will feature three boxers in the semifinals.
Nwoke in a post fight interview admitted that Godstime was not an easy nut to crack that he gave him a hell of problem throughout the three rounds contest.
” It was a difficult fight because both of us where evenly matched but I thank God that I got the upper hand to qualify for the semi- finals.
” I know that the semi- final will be difficult, but I fear no foe because I know that I have what it takes to win the gold medal which is what am gunning for.
Nwoke, a Southpaw who has boasted that he’s not afraid to meet any opponent, insisted that nothing will stop him from making a top podium finish at the Games.
He commended his coach for bringing out the best boxer in him.
Meanwhile, Imo State boxing coach, Lilian Eke who is still basking in the euphoria of three of her boxers qualifying for the semi- finals, has backed Nwoke and the other two pugilists to win gold medals, with a declaration that she knows the qualities they’re made of.
“It’s a thing of joy to see three of my pugilists make it to semi- final stage which is an evidence of hard work. This did not come to me as a surprise because I know the quality of my fighters and I have no doubt in my mind that they’ll always deliver,” he stated with confidence.
