▪️The host lead with 15 semi-finalists so far and four finalists Benedicte Diyoka, Nyembo Gisele, Mbalayi Mbamba and Tshimwanga Sulamite
▪️Cameroon breathing down the neck of DR Congo with 12 semi-finalists boosted by three finalists Nicola Moudjongue, Loura Ngoune Reine and Paule Ngono
▪️With the two Central Africa countries chewing their own cake, the rest are scrambling for leftovers
October 26, 2026
KINSHASA, DR Congo — The battle lines are officially drawn, and the ring is firing on all cylinders at the 2026 IBA Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships.
Host nation Democratic Republic of the Congo has laid down a massive marker with an impressive 15 semifinalists led by eight women and seven men.
The home crowd inside the capital has plenty to roar about, with four Congolese fighters already punching their tickets straight to the finals. Leading the golden charge are defending champions, minimumweight Benedicte Diyoka, flyweight Nyembo Gisele and light-welterweight Mbalayi Mbamba alongside heavyweight Tshimwanga Sulamite.
But it is far from a one-nation show.
Cameroon are hot on their heels, invading the later rounds with 12 semifinalists of their own (five men and seven women) with five in today’s quarterfinals.
In a fierce display of tactical dominance, the Central African country has already guaranteed three finalists—an all-female trio ready to spoil the Congolese party. They are light-flyweight Nicola Moudjongue, flyweight Loura Ngouone Reine and featherweight Paule Ngono.
The drama is only getting started. With today’s quarterfinal bouts, the medal architecture is shifting by the hour.
Expect the semi-final grid to lock in soon as more elite fighters from across the 28 participating nations punch their way onto the podium.
War is war!!!
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