The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled an extensive programme of activities for the 2026 sporting calendar, outlining a roadmap aimed at repositioning Nigerian boxing for sustained growth and international success.
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The detailed schedule was developed by the NBF Technical Committee and formally released in a document signed by the Federation’s Secretary General, Vivian Azimene. It covers technical development, athlete preparation, officiating, grassroots engagement and elite competition across the year.
Activities begin in January with a National Coaches Workshop in the North-Central zone, setting the tone for technical capacity building.
February will feature an international friendly boxing series involving Rwanda and Madagascar, alongside a National Open Trial to select boxers for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The second phase of the National Coaches Workshop, scheduled for the South-East, will also take place in February.
March is set to be one of the busiest months on the calendar, with activities including the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, an international friendly match against Ghana, registration for the National Boxing League, and the opening of the National Camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The South-South National Coaches Workshop is also billed for the month.
Nigeria’s continental and global engagements continue in April, with participation in the African Boxing Championship and the first World Boxing Cup of the year.
The National Boxing League and National Camp will also continue, while the North-West Coaches Workshop will round off activities for the month.
According to the document, programmes will run steadily from May through August.
In September, attention will shift to officiating and youth development, with a referees and judges refresher course scheduled for Bauchi, followed by Nigeria’s participation in the National Youth Games.
October will focus on youth and institutional competitions, including preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a Lagos-based referees and judges refresher course, and the Military and Paramilitary Boxing Championships.
The calendar intensifies again in November with the IOC/NOC course, the World Boxing Cup Final, a joint National Referees and Coaches Workshop, and the 2026 National Sports Festival.
The year’s activities will be rounded off with the maiden President’s Belt competition and an awards night.
Speaking on the programme, NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu said the Federation is determined to make a strong statement in 2026 through a well-structured and inclusive approach.
“As a federation, I believe we have started very well. We are out to make a bold statement with our activities this year, which is why they have been well articulated,” Imadu said.
He added that the Federation’s development plan was deliberately holistic, targeting every link in the boxing value chain to ensure sustainability.
Imadu, who was recently elected Vice President of African Boxing, expressed confidence that Nigerian boxers will rise to the occasion at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and deliver medal-winning performances.
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