128 Boxers Compete for 10 Spots in Nigeria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games Team
A total of 128 boxers are battling for a place in Nigeria’s boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) conducts its open trials in Lagos.
The trials, taking place at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex inside the National Stadium Surulere, have attracted 101 male and 27 female fighters, including four diaspora athletes. The competition will determine the 10 boxers who will represent Nigeria at the Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland.
Preliminary bouts began earlier in the week, followed by quarter-finals on Wednesday, while semi-final contests are scheduled for Thursday after mandatory medical tests and weigh-ins. The championship bouts will take place on Friday, March 6, in what organisers describe as a carnival-style boxing event running from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Secretary-General of the NBF, Vivian Azimene, said the number of athletes Nigeria will field in boxing was increased following the intervention of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
“Initially, we were supposed to go with three women and three men. But after the visit of the DG, we’ve been promised five female boxers and five male boxers. In total, 10 athletes will represent Nigeria in boxing,” Azimene said.
She added that the open trials are designed to ensure the country selects its strongest team ahead of the international tournament.
“That’s why we are doing the trial — to give all boxers the opportunity to be part of the team. We will ensure we pick those who will make the country proud,” she said.
For many of the fighters, the competition represents a major career opportunity. One of the contenders, Sharafadeen Fawas, said he is determined to earn a place in the national camp.
“I’m glad to have the opportunity to participate. This shows the hard work and dedication I’ve put in. My expectation is to make the cut for the national camp and show Nigeria how committed I am,” he said.
The competition covers 10 weight categories — five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and over 70kg).
Nigeria heads into the Glasgow Games with a strong boxing record at the Commonwealth level. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the Nigerian boxing team won four medals — a silver medal by Elizabeth Oshoba and bronze medals through Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, with boxing among the featured events in the multi-sport competition.
