Nigeria, Ghana set for crucial boxing showdown in Accra
Nigeria’s build up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games gathers momentum as the nation’s boxing team prepares for a high stakes international friendly against arch rivals Ghana in Accra.
The bilateral clash, scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at the Accra Sports Stadium, is designed to sharpen both teams ahead of the Games in Glasgow.
The tournament will feature a total of ten bouts, with seven male fighters competing across approved weight divisions, while three female pugilists will represent Nigeria in the 54kg, 57kg, and 71kg categories.
Nigeria’s contingent is expected to depart for Accra on Tuesday, giving the team time to settle before stepping into the ring for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Chairman of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Technical Committee, Babatunde Laguda, described the friendly as a timely and practical assessment platform for the athletes.
"The Ghana friendly tournament is truly the way to go on a time as this, like you know, our boxers are currently camping in Lagos ahead of the Commonwealth Games and this international friendly will further expose them to a more competitive atmosphere".
Also speaking, NBF Vice President Omonlei Imadu revealed that more preparatory bouts are in the pipeline as the federation intensifies efforts to ensure peak performance.
"As part of our camping for the Glasgow Games, we are in the final stages of discussions with two other nations on friendly matches, our aim is to ensure that our boxers gets the best of preparation before July when the Commonwealth Games begins".
The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to August 2, with Nigeria aiming to make a strong statement in the boxing event through rigorous preparation and competitive exposure.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
