The rise of women boxers in Nigeria

11 July 2019: Princess Oluwapelumi Adewale, a 17-year-old boxer in a training session with her coach at the National Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria.

Boxing is not new in Nigeria, but female boxers have only recently started commanding the respect they deserve in and out of the ring. They still earn less than their male counterparts, though. Ishat Oriyomi, a 23-year-old amateur boxer from Nigeria, is kicking her feet in the air in short sharp thrusts. She is standing in the middle of a circle of fellow boxers who are all copying her. She counts the kicks and the boxers, 10 men and 10 … Read more