In a dramatic twist to the ongoing controversy, Nigerian boxing coach Joana Nwamerue has released a full, unedited video of her training session with Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, aiming to clear her name and prove that her side of the story is accurate. The video, which spans over two hours, shows an intense but seemingly supportive rehearsal between the two athletes, contradicting accusations of mistreatment and undermining Khelif’s earlier claims that the training environment had been abusive.

The controversy began last month when Khelif, a rising star in women’s boxing, made headlines with allegations that Nwamerue had been excessively harsh and critical during their training sessions. In several interviews, Khelif stated that Nwamerue’s coaching style had crossed the line, negatively affecting her mental health and confidence in the ring. The accusations led to a social media firestorm, with fans and fellow athletes taking sides in the dispute.

Nwamerue, a well-respected coach with a track record of guiding athletes to victory, remained silent for weeks as the story gained traction. However, she broke her silence today with the release of the full rehearsal footage, posting it on her social media accounts along with a statement defending her coaching methods. “I have always believed in pushing my athletes to reach their full potential,” Nwamerue wrote. “But I have never crossed the line into abuse. The video speaks for itself.”

The video shows Nwamerue working closely with Khelif in preparation for her upcoming match. Throughout the rehearsal, Nwamerue offers corrections, encouragement, and detailed instructions as Khelif runs through drills and sparring sessions. While the training is undeniably rigorous, there are no visible signs of aggression or mistreatment from Nwamerue. In fact, the video captures several moments of camaraderie between the two, with Khelif smiling and nodding in agreement as Nwamerue gives feedback.

In her statement, Nwamerue expressed disappointment over the public backlash and the damage the allegations have done to her reputation. “This entire situation has been incredibly painful,” she said. “But I had to stay true to myself and my principles. I believe in honesty and transparency, and this video is my proof.”

The release of the video has ignited fresh debate on social media, with many of Nwamerue’s supporters rallying behind her and calling for an end to the backlash she has faced. On the other hand, Khelif’s supporters remain steadfast, arguing that even if the video does not show overt abuse, it does not disprove the mental and emotional strain that she has claimed to experience during training.

As the controversy deepens, both sides are calling for clarity and resolution. Khelif has yet to publicly respond to the video release, but sources close to her suggest that she stands by her earlier statements, maintaining that the rehearsal footage does not capture the full picture of what happened behind the scenes.

For now, the video serves as a pivotal piece of evidence in this ongoing saga, with many wondering if it will help restore Nwamerue’s reputation or deepen the divide between the two athletes. As the boxing community watches closely, the larger issue of the mental health and well-being of athletes remains at the forefront of the conversation.