Nigerian professional boxer Elizabeth Temitayo Oshoba has etched her name into global boxing history by becoming Nigeria’s first-ever female Boxing World Champion, sports news outlets report. Oshoba’s historic title win marks a major milestone for the country and for women in the sport.

The 26-year-old featherweight boxer made history in January 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark, when she secured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Featherweight title, defeating her Italian opponent Michela Braga after 10 hard-fought rounds, news sites say. The victory earned her recognition as the first Nigerian woman ever to claim a world boxing title at the professional level.

Born on December 23, 1999, in Ogun State, Nigeria, Oshoba rose through the amateur ranks before turning professional and quickly gaining a reputation for skill toughness and determination. Earlier in her career she won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the featherweight division, signalling her promise on the international stage.

Her world title achievement has been recognised across the Nigerian sports community and beyond, with many heralding her success as a defining moment for female athletes and boxing enthusiasts in the country. She said at the time that her win was not just a personal victory but an inspiration for other young Nigerians dreaming of excelling in sport.

The federal government and Nigerian boxing officials have praised Oshoba’s achievement, describing it as a source of national pride and a major boost for the development of professional boxing in Nigeria. Observers say her victory could open doors for more international opportunities for Nigerian fighters.

Oshoba remains undefeated professionally and continues to compete at high levels, climbing the global rankings with aspirations of unifying world titles and bringing more accolades to Nigeria in women’s boxing.