The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has officially announced the dates and programme for the maiden National Boxing Week, which will also serve as the open trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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According to the NBF’s Director of Communications, Mathew Okugbe, the week-long event will run from March 1 to 6, 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Lagos.
The highlight of the Boxing Week will be the National Open Trials, designed to select boxers who will represent Nigeria at the boxing events of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Open and Merit-Based Trials
The trials are open to all affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerian boxers, including those based in the diaspora. Each affiliated body is expected to present one boxer per weight category.
Competition will take place across 10 weight divisions, as follows:
Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg
Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70kg+
Honouring a Boxing Legend
As part of the programme, the NBF will also celebrate the life and legacy of late Nigerian boxing icon Hogan Kid Bassey, whose achievements brought international recognition to Nigerian boxing.
Speaking on the significance of the event, NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, stressed the importance of blending history with progress.
“Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of courage, excellence, and national pride. As an icon, we want to honour him and inspire the younger generation on what it truly means to be a hero,” Imadu said.
Commitment to Transparency
Imadu further reaffirmed that the National Open Trials would be conducted through a transparent and merit-driven process, in line with the reform agenda of the National Sports Commission.
“The era of selecting boxers without open meritocracy is over. Every boxer must earn the right to wear the green and white through performance and discipline,” he stated.
He also called on Nigerian boxers at home and abroad to seize the opportunity, noting that selection for the Commonwealth Games would be “fierce, fair, and strictly based on merit.”
Beyond the Ring
National Boxing Week will extend beyond competition, with the Federation outlining a comprehensive development agenda that includes:
Joint seminars for referees and coaches
Orientation sessions for boxers on discipline and professionalism
Stakeholder engagement forums to strengthen the domestic boxing ecosystem
In addition, the NBF will unveil new digital assets during the event, including an automated licensing system and revamped digital platforms aimed at improving governance, transparency, and athlete management.
NBF President, Wale Edun, described the digital transformation as a key pillar of reform.
“We are repositioning Nigerian boxing for global competitiveness, not just inside the ring but also administratively and technologically,” Edun said.
The National Boxing Week is expected to mark a defining moment for Nigerian boxing, combining competition, reform, history, and national pride in one landmark event.
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