Nigeria Picks 10 Boxers for 2026 C'wealth Games in Glasgow

9 March 2026
This Day (Lagos)

Nigeria's boxing hopes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have taken shape, with 10 fighters securing qualification at the national trials staged at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Sports Complex, National Stadium, Lagos.

The four-day event, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), drew 128 boxers--121 men and 27 women--competing across 10 weight categories. Each champion earned a coveted ticket to represent the nation at the Games.

Among the standout performers was 2023 African Games gold medalist Patricia Mbata. The UK-based construction engineer, who narrowly missed out on the Paris 2024 Olympics, reaffirmed her determination by defeating national champion Blessing Orakwe 5-0 in the women's +70kg final. Her victory was one of five tickets claimed by female boxers.

Joining Mbata in the women's squad are Happiness Udoette, who edged Fathia Gafar 3-2 in the 51kg; Kadijat Ajibola, who outclassed Aishat Gbadamosi 4-1 in the 57kg; Damilola Sodipe, who dominated Abibat Ismail 5-0 in the 65kg; and Celestine Edoka, who floored Queen James 4-1 in the 70kg.

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The men's division also produced gripping contests. Diaspora boxer Kenneth Anigboro, based in Yorkshire, UK, claimed the 90kg crown after a tense 3-2 victory over Abiodun Adesoja. Michael Ogunremi impressed with a 5-0 win over Habeeb Owazeem in the 55kg, while southpaw Wahab Abdulrahman defeated Ridwan Saliu 4-1 in the 65kg. Folly Hassan secured the 70kg ticket with a 4-1 win over Precious Nwoha, and Joseph Daniel advanced in the 80kg after a walkover against Fara Sleeraf.

In total, five men and five women will fly Nigeria's flag in Glasgow, with additional boxers invited to camp as sparring partners to sharpen preparations.

NBF Technical Director, Babatunde Laguda, commended the resilience of the athletes and officials, noting the intensity of the trials: "Most times the fights ended late into the night, but we ensured fairness in every bout. Winning does not always mean you are the best, so we will still invite some of the outstanding boxers to camp as sparring partners. Their contributions will be vital to the team's success."

Nigeria will be hoping to improve on its 2022 Birmingham outing, where nine fighters led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba returned with four medals--one silver from Elizabeth Oshoba and three bronzes courtesy of Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, with boxing featuring across 14 events--seven men's and seven women's categories--alongside athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball.

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