Nigeria selects Commonwealth Games Boxing Team with ten fighters after national trials ahead of Glasgow 2026

The Nigeria Boxing Federation has finalised the Commonwealth Games Boxing Team, naming ten fighters to represent the country at the 2026 Glasgow Games following a fiercely contested national trial at the National Stadium in Lagos.

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The week-long trials attracted 128 amateur boxers from across Nigeria and abroad, competing for five men’s and five women’s slots.

Patricia Mbata, 2023 African Games gold medallist, delivered a commanding performance in the women’s +70kg final, defeating reigning national champion Blessing Orakwe with a 5–0 unanimous decision.

Mbata, who also works as a construction engineer in the United Kingdom, confirmed her position as a top medal prospect for Glasgow.

The women’s squad also features Happiness Udoette (51kg), Kadijat Ajibola (57kg), Damilola Sodipe (65kg), and Celestine Edoka (70kg), all of whom secured their places in closely fought bouts.

The men’s competition was equally competitive.

Diaspora boxer Kenneth Anigboro, based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, captured the 90kg title. Michael Ogunremi (55kg), Wahab Abdulrahman (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), and Joseph Daniel (80kg) rounded off the men’s team with strong performances.

Several standout fighters who did not win their categories will join the national camp as sparring partners to strengthen preparations.

Babatunde Laguda, NBF Technical Director, commended the athletes and officials for their dedication.

“Winning does not always mean you are the best, so we will still invite some of the outstanding boxers as sparring partners. Their contributions will be vital to the team’s success,” Laguda said, highlighting the growing depth of Nigerian amateur boxing.

The newly selected squad aims to improve on the nine-member team’s performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Nigeria secured four medals, including a silver for Elizabeth Oshoba and bronzes for Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.

Preparations will now shift to intensive training and tactical refinement ahead of Glasgow, where the Commonwealth Games run from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Scotland.

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Boxing will feature 14 medal events alongside athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball.