As per Joana Nwamerue, Khelif was not respectful towards her and was mocking her by sticking the tongue out and smiling at her during their sparring session in Sofia, Bulgaria in February 2024 ahead of the Strandzha Cup. Nwamerue was not injured during her match with Imane Khelif, but she had concerns for the safety of the other female boxers who will face Khelif in future.