Nigeria unveils 10-boxer squad for 2026 Commonwealth Games
Nigeria has unveiled a 10-member boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following the conclusion of the national open trials at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The four-day competition, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), attracted 128 fighters 121 men and 27 women who battled across ten weight divisions for a place on the national team. At the end of the intense trials, each champion earned the right to represent Nigeria at the Games.
Among the standout performers was UK-based boxer and 2023 African Games gold medallist Patricia Mbata, who clinched victory in the women’s 70kg category to secure her ticket to Glasgow. Her triumph came days after former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sent her a motivational video message urging her to claim the title.
Mbata will be joined in the women’s team by Udoette Happiness (51kg), Ajishola Kadijat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (65kg), and Edoka Celestine (+70kg).
On the men’s side, Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Wahab Abdurrahman (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg), and Anigbodo Kenneth (90kg) emerged victorious in their respective divisions to book their spots.
Nigeria Boxing Federation Technical Director Babatunde Laguda praised the determination shown by the athletes and officials throughout the demanding trials.
“Most times the fights ended late into the night, but we ensured fairness in every bout,” Laguda said. “Winning does not always mean you are the best, so we will still invite some of the outstanding boxers to camp as sparring partners. Their contributions will be vital to the team’s success.”
Earlier, NBF Secretary-General Vivian Azimene had revealed that selected fighters would proceed to camp, while other impressive performers from the trials would be retained as sparring partners as preparations intensify for the Games.
Nigeria will be aiming for a stronger outing than at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where a nine-member team led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba returned with four medals one silver from Elizabeth Oshoba and three bronzes won by Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow. Boxing will feature in 14 events seven for men and seven for women alongside athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball.
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