40 Boxers To Battle for 10 Slots As NBF Intensifies Commonwealth Games Trials

40 Boxers To Battle for 10 Slots As NBF Intensifies Commonwealth Games Trials

By Admin 

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled 20 boxers who will advance to the final phase of trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The shortlisted athletes — comprising 10 men and 10 women — emerged as finalists from the recently concluded National Boxing Week and Commonwealth Games Open Trials held in Lagos.

Leading the women’s contingent is Patricia Mbata, an African Games gold medalist based in the United Kingdom. Other female finalists include Uddete Happiness (51kg), Gafar Fathia (51kg), Ajisola Kadijat (57kg), Gbadamosi Aishat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (60kg), Ismail Abibat (60kg), Orakwe Blessing (70kg), James Queen (70+kg) and Odoka Celestina (70+kg).

In the men’s category, diaspora boxer Kenneth Anigboro topped the 90kg division during the trials. The other male finalists are Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Habeeb Qazeem (55kg), Abdulrahmon Abdulwahab (65kg), Salim Rildwan (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Nwoha Precious (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg), Sharafadeen Fawas (80kg) and Abiodun Adesoji (90kg).

The 20 finalists will be joined by another group of 20 boxers — including several semifinalists from the open trials — to form a pool of 40 athletes for the final selection phase. The boxers will undergo intensive assessment and camping before the federation names the 10 fighters who will represent Nigeria in Glasgow, Scotland.

The five-day open trials in Lagos attracted 128 competitors — 121 men and 27 women — competing across 10 weight categories.

NBF Vice President Omonlei Imadu praised the determination of the athletes and officials, describing the trials as highly competitive and a positive sign for Nigeria’s medal prospects at the Games.

He also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s support for sports development, noting that the backing of the National Sports Commission under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade has strengthened preparations.

Imadu said the federation has now shifted attention to the camping phase to ensure the boxers reach peak condition ahead of the tournament.

“Our target is to win 10 medals, including six gold medals, while the others could be silver or bronze. We are determined to achieve this in Glasgow,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Olopade expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the national trials, noting that the participation of athletes from the diaspora reflects Nigeria’s depth of boxing talent.

Nigeria will be aiming to improve on its performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where the team returned with four medals — a silver won by Elizabeth Oshoba and bronze medals secured by Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere under the captaincy of Abdul-Afeez Osoba.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre, with boxing contested across 14 events — seven for men and seven for women.