The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has released a comprehensive calendar of programmes aimed at strengthening the growth and competitiveness of boxing across the country in the 2026 sporting year.
The detailed roadmap, prepared by the Federation’s Technical Committee and endorsed by Secretary General, Vivian Azimene, outlines a mix of grassroots development, elite competitions, international exposure and capacity-building initiatives for coaches and officials.
Activities will commence in January with a National Coaches Workshop scheduled for the North-Central zone. February will feature international friendly bouts against Rwanda and Madagascar, alongside a National Open Trial to select boxers for preparations toward the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The South-East zone will also host the second phase of the National Coaches Workshop within the same month.
March is set to be one of the busiest periods on the calendar, with programmes including the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, an international friendly clash with Ghana, registration for the National Boxing League, commencement of the national camping programme for Commonwealth Games preparations, and the South-South Coaches Workshop.
In April, Nigerian boxers will compete at the African Boxing Championship and the first leg of the World Boxing Cup, while activities in the National Boxing League and national camp will continue. The North-West Coaches Workshop will conclude the month’s engagements.
The Federation’s programmes will extend steadily from May through August, maintaining competitive and developmental momentum nationwide.
September will be dedicated to officiating development with a Referees and Judges Refresher Course in Bauchi, followed by participation in the National Youth Games.
In October, attention will turn to preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, in addition to another Referees and Judges Refresher Course in Lagos and the staging of the Military and Paramilitary Boxing Championships.
November’s schedule will include the IOC/NOC Course, the World Boxing Cup Final, a combined National Referees and Coaches Workshop, and Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 National Sports Festival.
The season will be wrapped up with the maiden edition of the President’s Belt tournament and an awards ceremony to celebrate outstanding performances across the year.
Reacting to the roadmap, NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, said the Federation is determined to deliver a productive and impactful season.
We are deliberate about raising the standard of boxing in Nigeria. Our plans for this year are bold and carefully structured, Imadu stated.
True development must cover athletes, coaches, referees and administrators, and that is exactly what this programme represents.
Imadu, who was recently elected Vice President of African Boxing, further expressed optimism that Nigeria’s pugilists will secure podium finishes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, citing improved preparation and increased international exposure as key factors.
