Emmanuel Chukwuka (NGR) is punched by Edwin Okong'o (KEN) / HANDOUT

History was made at the Kasarani Indoor Arena as Kenya's Hit Squad delivered a great performance to finish as the Best Overall Team at the just-concluded African Boxing Championships - Nairobi 2026.

The tone was set in the very first bout of the finals. Grace Atieno gave the home crowd the perfect start, beating Tanzania's Mapunda Veronica via a Referee-Stopped Contest in the third round in the Women's 48kg final to deliver Kenya's first gold of the day.

Rosemarion Otieno picked up the momentum and produced one of the performances of the tournament in the Women's Lightweight (57-60kg) final, defeating a decorated Ichrak Chaib from Algeria via a clear unanimous points decision for her gold medal victory.

In the Women's Heavyweight (80kg) final, Juliet Opondo was dominant and ruthless, overpowering Tanzania's Rachel Msengi to secure another historic gold for the women's team. Veronica Mbithe then added to the tally with a brave and gritty display in the Women's Flyweight final. Up against Algeria's experienced Fatiha Mansouri, Mbithe fought with heart to the final bell to secure a well-deserved silver medal for Kenya.

"I'm not happy with the silver because I wanted Gold but I take it anyway. My opponent played my game better as she switched stances swiftly," said Mbithe, who lost on a 4–1 split decision after mounting a strong comeback in the final round. "I now go back to work as I have seen areas I need to Improve."

Kelvin Maina stepped into the ring for his final against Angola and delivered a tactical masterclass. Composed, sharp, and dominant from the first round, Maina outclassed his opponent to claim gold and seal his place as one of the breakout stars of the championships.

Friza Asiko added to Kenya's gold tally, winning the women's light-middleweight category. Final Medal Standings - Top 3: 1. KENYA (HOST) - 15 Medals: 5 Gold, 3 Silver, 7 Bronze 2. ALGERIA - 11 Medals: 5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze 3. UGANDA - 11 Medals: 4 Gold, 1 Silver, 6 Bronze Kenya and Algeria both finished with 5 golds, but Kenya's superior silver count and total medal haul crowned the Hit Squad as the overall champions. With 15 nations and over 90 world-class bouts from 15th to 22nd October, the 2026 African Boxing Championships has been a true showcase of African boxing excellence. The Boxing Federation of Kenya thanks the Ministry of Sports, the National Government, the fans who filled Kasarani every single day, the coaches, officials, and every boxer who stepped into the ring.