Nigeria has unveiled a 10-member boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after the completion of national open trials held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
The four-day tournament, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation, featured 148 fighters—121 men and 27 women—competing across 10 weight categories. Champions in each division secured automatic qualification to represent Nigeria at the Games.
One of the standout athletes at the trials was UK-based boxer Patricia Mbata, who won gold in the women’s 70kg category to book her place on the national team. The 2023 African Games champion achieved the feat just days after receiving a motivational video message from former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua encouraging her to aim for gold.
Other female boxers who earned qualification include Udoette Happiness (51kg), Ajishola Kadijat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (65kg) and Edoka Celestine (+70kg).
The male boxers selected are Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Wahab Abdurrahman (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg) and Anigbodo Kenneth (90kg).
Technical Director of the federation, Babatunde Laguda, commended both the athletes and officials for their commitment throughout the demanding trials.
He noted that some bouts lasted late into the night but emphasised that fairness was maintained in all matches. Laguda also disclosed that a few outstanding fighters who did not win their divisions would still be invited to join the training camp as sparring partners to support the team’s preparation.
Earlier, the federation’s Secretary-General, Vivian Azimene, confirmed that the selected boxers would soon begin training camp, while other impressive fighters from the trials would also be invited to assist the team during preparations.
Nigeria will be looking to improve on its performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where a nine-member squad led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba returned with four medals. Elizabeth Oshoba won silver, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere claimed bronze medals.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow. The boxing competition will feature 14 events split equally between male and female fighters. Other sports scheduled for the Games include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls and basketball.