Teen Kungfu Star Turns Boxing Champion, Appeals for Wushu Inclusion at Niger Delta Games
Naomi Alexander’s story is a refreshing reminder that talent knows no boundaries. From her roots in Wushu Kungfu to her unexpected rise as a boxing gold medallist at the Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games, she embodies courage, adaptability and youthful determination. Her journey not only celebrates personal triumph but also highlights the growing depth of combat sports in the Niger Delta, as she passionately calls for greater recognition of Wushu Kungfu in future editions of the Games writes TUNDE LIADI
Seventeen-year-old Naomi Alexander’s triumph at the just concluded Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games reads like a script from a sports fairytale. Representing Team Akwa Ibom in the women’s 60kg boxing event, the SS2 student of Ibiono South Community Secondary School stunned many by clinching gold after defeating Bayelsa’s Joseph Blessed via split decision in a thrilling final.
Yet, in a twist that makes her story even more compelling, Naomi insists she is “not a boxer.”
“I am so happy that I have won a gold medal. I didn’t expect that I would win the gold medal,” she said with excitement. “I started training just over a month ago for the Games.”
Her journey to boxing glory actually began on the Wushu mats. A passionate Wushu Kungfu athlete, Naomi has already made her mark at the National Youth Games in Ilorin and Asaba, winning gold medals for Akwa Ibom in the martial art discipline. For her, boxing was a temporary switch — an adaptation rather than a calling.
“There is a slight difference between Wushu Kungfu and boxing,” she explained. “In boxing, you can only use your hands — your fists. But in Wushu Kungfu, you can use your hands and legs.”
That versatility, balance and combat awareness gained from Wushu Kungfu undoubtedly gave her an edge inside the boxing ring. Even with limited preparation time, she demonstrated tactical discipline and resilience beyond her years to emerge champion.
Despite her new boxing title, Naomi is clear about her sporting future. She revealed that she would not compete as a boxer at the next competition especially at the National Sports Festival, reaffirming her deep love for Wushu Kungfu.
Using her golden moment as a platform, the teenager made a heartfelt appeal to the organisers of the Niger Delta Games — the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Managing Consultant, Dunamis Icon Limited to consider adding Wushu Kungfu to the roster of sports in future editions.
“I want to appeal to the organisers to please include Wushu Kungfu in the next edition of the Niger Delta Games,” she urged. “It is a sport that is growing in the Niger Delta region and can bring more popularity to the competition.”
