In an exclusive interview with Sports 247, Gift Otuonye, the only female coach on Team Nigeria’s boxing squad, radiated confidence and optimism as she discussed the team’s preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
The interview, conducted at the serene Ilaje resorts where the team has set up camp, provided a glimpse into the rigorous training regimen and the positive atmosphere enveloping the athletes.
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Otuonye, who boasts a decorated career as a former boxer and gold medalist, has seamlessly transitioned into her role as a coach.
She pointed out the significance of a calm and focused environment, noting that the Ilaje resorts offer the perfect setting for the athletes to concentrate on their training.
“Camping is good, it’s perfect,” she remarked, drawing attention to the tranquillity of the location. “At least the place is very calm… Everything is going well.”
The coach’s confidence in her athletes’ readiness for the Olympics was palpable. Drawing parallels to their success at the All-African Camp, where the team clinched eight gold medals, two bronze, and two silver, Otuonye expressed unwavering faith in their potential to secure gold in Paris.
“This one, I’m sure of gold for three of them. Very, very sure. It’s the perfect gold,” she asserted, reflecting her deep-seated belief in the team’s capabilities.
However, Otuonye’s journey and her insights into the world of female boxing extend beyond mere training and preparation.
She addressed the persistent stereotypes and challenges faced by women in the sport. “Most families don’t like their girls to do boxing because they think when you do boxing, that maybe you are a stupid person…
They see it as fighting. They don’t know that it’s part of the game. It’s a sport,” she explained. Her experience as a former boxer has equipped her with a unique perspective, allowing her to relate to the athletes on a personal level.
Otuonye outlined the importance of determination and mindset in overcoming these challenges. “Boxing is a game of mind and determination.
Without you being determined, without you having this mind, this boldness, you can’t fit in,” she said, indicating the mental fortitude required to succeed in the sport.
Her story is a testament to this resilience, as she navigated the sport’s physical and societal hurdles to emerge victorious.
Beyond her coaching duties, Otuonye is also a passionate entrepreneur with a love for business and cosmetics.
“I love business, cosmetics, makeup… I love coaching, that is why,” she shared. This dual passion shows her multifaceted personality and her ability to balance diverse interests.
In her closing remarks, Otuonye offered words of encouragement to aspiring female boxers, urging them to “buckle up” and embrace the sport.
“Boxing is good, it’s a sweet game, I love it,” she affirmed, hoping to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams with determination and courage.
As Team Nigeria’s boxers continue their rigorous training under Otuonye’s guidance, the nation eagerly anticipates their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With Otuonye’s leadership and the athletes’ unwavering dedication, Nigeria hopes to showcase not only their physical prowess but also the indomitable spirit of determination and resilience on the world stage.
