The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled a list of 20 boxers who will compete in the final phase of trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The selected pugilists, made up of 10 men and 10 women earned their places after emerging as finalists during the recently concluded National Boxing Week and Commonwealth Games Open Trials held in Lagos.
The women’s category is headlined by African Games gold medallist Patricia Mbata, who is based in the United Kingdom. Other finalists include Uddete Happiness (51kg), Gafar Fathia (51kg), Ajisola Kadijat (57kg), Gbadamosi Aishat (57kg), and Sodipe Damilola (60kg). Also on the list are Ismail Abibat (60kg), Orakwe Blessing (70kg), James Queen (70+kg), and Odoka Celestina (70+kg).
In the men’s division, diaspora boxer Kenneth Anigboro topped the 90kg category. He is joined by Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Habeeb Qazeem (55kg), Abdulrahmon Abdulwahab (65kg), Salim Rildwan (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Nwoha Precious (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg), Sharafadeen Fawas (80kg), and Abiodun Adesoji (90kg).
The 20 finalists will be joined by another 20 boxers, mainly semifinalists from the open trials, to form a pool of 40 fighters for the final stage of the screening process. The phase will involve continuous and intensive assessments before the final selection of 10 athletes who will represent Nigeria at the Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The five-day trials in Lagos attracted a total of 128 boxers, 121 men and 27 women, who competed across ten weight categories.
Speaking after the trials, NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu commended the athletes and officials for their resilience, describing the competition as highly competitive and a positive sign for Nigeria’s medal prospects.
Imadu also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for sports development, noting that the backing of the National Sports Commission (NSC) under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade has motivated the federation to aim for podium finishes.
We have now moved our focus to the camping phase. Our aim is to ensure that the boxers are in perfect condition during and after camping,” Imadu said.
Our target is to win 10 medals six gold, while the others could be silver and bronze. We are determined to make this a reality in Glasgow,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the trials, noting that the participation of diaspora athletes reflects Nigeria’s rich pool of boxing talent.
I congratulate the NBF board for organizing a successful national trial and the boxers for their determination to bring glory to the country,” Olopade said.
We are doing everything possible to ensure Nigeria has a successful outing at the Games, and the prospects in boxing are truly exciting.”
Nigeria will be aiming to improve on its performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where nine fighters led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba won four medals, a silver by Elizabeth Oshoba and bronze medals from 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, Scotland, with boxing featuring in 14 events, seven for men and seven for women.
