The Nigeria Boxing Federation will on Friday determine the 10 fighters who will represent the country in the boxing event of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as the national open trials reach their final day at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
A total of 128 boxers — comprising 101 men and 27 women — began the competition on Tuesday, March 3.
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The finalists across all 10 weight categories are now set to battle in the championship bouts, with winners securing places on Team Nigeria for the Glasgow Games.
Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Vivian Azimene, said the selected boxers would proceed to a training camp ahead of the Games, while other impressive performers at the trials would be retained as sparring partners to support the team’s preparation.
She expressed satisfaction with the turnout and quality of competition at the trials.
“We are excited about the turnout of the event, and we hope we can continue our exploits at the Games this year because Nigeria has always been among the outstanding teams whenever boxing is featured at the Commonwealth Games,” Azimene said.
Action on Thursday saw several fighters progress in their respective divisions. In the men’s 75kg category, Wahab Abdulrahman defeated Qudus Adeniji to advance to the semi-finals, while Quadri Ilori edged Israel Ogbodo via split decision to also progress.
More than 80 bouts have been decided in the four-day tournament, with several diaspora-based athletes making strong impressions against their home-based counterparts.
Nigeria will compete in 10 weight categories at the Commonwealth Games — five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg).
The country heads to Glasgow with a rich boxing pedigree at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 edition in Birmingham, nine Nigerian fighters returned with four medals — a silver won by Elizabeth Oshoba and bronze medals secured by Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere
