, holds its National Open Trials for spots to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.){kind=link}
The Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex of the National Stadium in Lagos, has been transformed into a theatre of grit and ambition as the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), holds its National Open Trials for spots to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A total of 128 boxers—including 101 men and 27 women—are currently fighting for just 10 available slots to represent Nigeria’s boxing squad at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.
The contest reached its climax on Friday as the national trials conclude with the championship’s grand finale. The final bouts in 10 weight categories were contested among home-based and foreign-based boxers.
The federation’s Secretary-General, Vivian Azimene, said boxers who made the final cut would be invited to a national training camp. She added that some outstanding athletes from the trials would also be invited as sparring partners for the selected fighters.
“We are excited about the turnout of the event and hope to continue our exploits at the Games,” she said.
“Nigeria has always been among the outstanding teams whenever boxing features at the Commonwealth Games.”
In one of the bouts on Thursday, Wahab Abdulrahman defeated Qudus Adeniji in the men’s 75kg category to reach the last four. Quadri Ilori also beat Israel Ogbodo by split decision to advance to the semi-finals in the same category.
More than 80 bouts have been decided, with diaspora athletes impressing against home-based opponents during the four-day tournament.
Nigeria plans to compete in 10 weight categories: five for men and five for women. The men’s divisions are 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg, while the women’s categories are 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg.
Nigeria was among the medal-winning teams at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. With nine boxers led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba, the team won four medals: one silver and three bronze.
Elizabeth Oshoba secured the silver medal, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere claimed bronze medals.
Fourteen boxing events will be contested at the Games, with seven for men and seven for women. Boxing is among 10 sports listed for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 24th – 1st August, in Glasgow, Scotland.