Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has commended the Nigeria Boxing Federation for organising what he described as a transparent and controversy-free Commonwealth Games National Open Boxing Trials in Lagos.
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Olopade praised the organisers for ensuring fairness throughout the competition, noting that the trials attracted a large number of participants including athletes based abroad.
“The federation deserves credit for organising a transparent trial without controversy,” Olopade said.
According to him, a total of 147 boxers competed in the event, including several fighters from the Nigerian diaspora, a development he described as an important part of the commission’s strategy to strengthen national teams.
“We are encouraging Nigerian talents abroad to come home and compete locally,” he explained.
Olopade noted that giving diaspora athletes the opportunity to compete alongside locally based fighters will help the country identify the best talents available.
“This approach will help us build stronger teams capable of representing Nigeria effectively on the international stage,” he added.
The Director-General also revealed that the competition produced 40 medalists, who will now advance to the next phase of preparations.
“All the medal winners will proceed to a national training camp,” he stated.
At the training camp, the boxers will compete for the single slot available in each weight category, as Nigeria prepares to select the final squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place in Scotland.
Olopade explained that the country will eventually select ten boxers to represent Nigeria at the Games.
“The final selection will ensure that only the best fighters represent the country,” he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the transparent process will produce a strong national team capable of competing for medals on the global stage.
“With the right preparation and selection process, Nigeria can achieve great success in boxing,” he added.
