By Desmond Tunde Coker
Sierra Leone Featherweight Boxing champion Josefien Angel Betist won the AFBC Solidarity and Fraternity Boxing Gala, organized by the Tunisian Boxing Federation, by defeating Tunisian champion Amal Mathloifi in a closely contested match.
After losing in the all-African games and Olympics qualifiers, Josefien redeemed herself on January 24, 2025, by winning the gold medal while representing Sierra Leone in Tunis.
Josefien dedicated her victory to Sierra Leone, highlighting the support from the Ministry of Sports, National Sports Authority (NSA), and National Olympic Committee. Her success adds to the achievements of fellow boxer Sara H Joe, bringing pride to the nation.
NSA Secretary-General Alhaji Komba expressed gratitude for Josefien’s win, celebrating the national anthem sung before Tunisian fans. The NSA congratulates Josefien and sees her victory as inspiring for other female athletes. Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai reaffirmed NSA’s commitment to supporting all performing sports associations in Sierra Leone.