Nigeria’s Zainab Adeshina has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the women’s 51kg boxing category at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a dominant first-round knockout of Iran’s Ghazaleh Rasouli.

Adeshina ended the quarter-final bout in just 2 minutes and 28 seconds on Thursday, keeping Nigeria’s hopes for a medal alive in the flyweight division. Her powerful performance signals strong potential for a gold medal finish.

The Nigerian boxing team arrived in Riyadh on Monday for the sixth edition of the Games, which run from November 7 to 21. The contingent includes Adeshina and Ridwan Raheem, who is competing in the 65kg welterweight category, under the guidance of coach Abayomi Oyeleye.

Before their departure, the boxers underwent a rigorous three-week training camp in Abuja. Hon. Omonlei Imadu, Vice President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, visited the camp and expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness and prospects.

The Islamic Solidarity Games bring together athletes from member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, featuring 21 sports and two para-sports in this year’s edition. Saudi Arabia is hosting the event for the second time, having previously hosted the inaugural Games in 2005.