The Nigeria Boxing Federation has declared an ambitious target of six gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as the country intensifies preparations for a stronger outing in the ring, Trybal News reports
NBF Vice President, Omonlei Imadu, said the federation is aiming for a total of 10 medals, with six expected to come in gold, while the remaining medals could be silver or bronze.
According to him, the federation has shifted full attention to the camping phase to ensure the boxers are physically and mentally prepared for the Games.
Our target is 10 medals, six gold, while others can come in silver and bronze colours. We are truly determined to make this a reality in Glasgow,” Imadu said.
He added that the federation is focused on ensuring that the athletes remain in top condition before, during and after the camping exercise.
Nigeria’s preparations have already gathered momentum, with 30 boxers reportedly in camp since April as the federation works to avoid the poor build-up that affected the country’s boxing team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The federation’s renewed approach comes after concerns were raised by some boxers over inadequate preparation, limited training equipment and a short camping period before the last Olympics.
National Sports Commission Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who attended Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games boxing trials, expressed confidence in the country’s medal prospects, describing the talent pool as encouraging.
We are doing everything possible to ensure that Nigeria have a successful outing at the Games, and the prospects in boxing truly excite me,” Olopade said.
The trials produced several standout finalists across the men’s and women’s categories. UK-based African Games gold medallist Patricia Mbata was among the leading names in the women’s division, while Kenneth Anigboro emerged strongly in the men’s 90kg class.
Other female finalists include Udoette Happiness, Gafar Fathia, Ajishola Kadijat, Gbadamosi Aishat, Sodipe Damilola, Ismail Abibat, Blessing Orakwe, James Queen and Odoka Celestina.
In the men’s category, Ogunremi Michael, Habeeb Qazeem, Abdulwahab Abdulrahmon, Saliu Ridwan, Folly Hassan, Nwoha Precious, Daniel Joshua, Sharafadeen Fawas, Kenneth Anigboro and Abiodun Adesoji also made the final shortlist.
Although Nigeria recently suffered a 4-3 defeat to Ghana in a Commonwealth Games warm-up friendly in Accra, Imadu said the result has only reinforced the need for more work before Glasgow. He also revealed that the federation is in advanced discussions with two other countries for additional preparatory bouts.
Imadu further praised members of the NBF board for their commitment to the welfare of the athletes, saying their support reflects a shared determination to reposition Nigerian boxing.
As a federation, we would like to appreciate these board members for their patriotism. This is an attestation of their dedication to the advancement of boxing in the country,” he said.
He maintained that the federation’s objective remains clear: every boxer representing Nigeria in Scotland must be capable of returning with a medal.
Ten Nigerian boxers, male and female, are expected to fly the country’s flag at the 23rd Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Boxing at the Games will be staged at the SEC Centre, with athletes competing across 14 events, comprising seven men’s and seven women’s categories.
At the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, Nigeria won four boxing medals, with Elizabeth Oshoba claiming silver, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere secured bronze medals.
