As part of proactive efforts to place Nigerian boxing on a progressive trajectory in the new sporting calendar, the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled its comprehensive programme of activities for 2026.

The programme, contained in a well-structured document developed by the NBF Technical Committee and signed by the Federation’s Secretary General, Vivian Azimene, outlines a wide range of developmental and competitive engagements for the year.

According to the document, activities will commence in January with a National Coaches Workshop in the North-Central zone. February will feature an international boxing friendly with Rwanda and Madagascar, as well as the National Open Trials for boxers ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Also scheduled for February is the second phase of the National Coaches Workshop in the South-East zone.

March is set to be particularly busy, with activities including the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, an international friendly match with Ghana, registration for the National Boxing League, the opening of the national training camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games, and the South-South National Coaches Workshop.

The programme continues in April with Nigeria’s participation at the African Boxing Championship and the first World Boxing Cup of the year. Other April activities include the continuation of the National Boxing League and national camp, while the North-West Coaches Workshop will round off the month’s engagements.

As outlined in the document, activities will run through the months of May to August, maintaining momentum across competitions and development programmes.

In September, the Bauchi Referees and Judges Refresher Course will be held, followed by the boxers’ participation in the National Youth Games.

October will shift focus to preparations and participation in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, alongside the Lagos Referees and Judges Refresher Course and the Military and Paramilitary Boxing Championships.

November will feature the IOC/NOC course, the World Boxing Cup final, a joint National Referees and Coaches Workshop, and the 2026 National Sports Festival.

The Nigeria Boxing Federation’s activities for 2026 will be rounded off with the maiden President’s Belt Championship and Awards Night.

Speaking on the programme, NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, said the Federation is working assiduously to record unprecedented success across its activities throughout the year.

“As a federation, I believe we have started very well. We are out to make a bold statement with our activities this year, hence they have been carefully articulated,” Imadu said.

He added that sustainable development in boxing must be holistic.

“Our programme and activities capture every aspect of the boxing value chain,” he noted.

The Yucateco Boxing Club boss, who was recently elected Vice President of African Boxing, expressed confidence that Nigerian boxers will deliver medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.