Nigeria has unveiled a 10-boxer squad for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after a fiercely contested national open trial held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex inside the National Stadium Surulere in Lagos.
The four-day tournament, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation, drew 148 athletes — 121 men and 27 women — who battled across 10 weight categories. Only the champions in each division secured automatic spots on the national team for the Games.
One of the most eye-catching performances came from UK-based boxer Patricia Mbata, who captured gold in the women’s 70kg class to book her ticket to Glasgow.
The 2023 African Games champion entered the ring with added motivation after receiving a video message from former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua encouraging her to chase gold.
Mbata will be joined in the women’s squad by Udoette Happiness (51kg), Ajishola Kadijat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (65kg) and Edoka Celestine (+70kg).
On the men’s side, the fighters who emerged victorious at the trials 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 athletes and officials for maintaining a high standard throughout the intense competition.
According to him, several bouts stretched late into the night as fighters pushed themselves in pursuit of national selection.
He noted that although only one boxer could win each division, the federation still plans to bring other impressive fighters into camp as sparring partners to strengthen preparations.
Earlier, the federation’s Secretary-General, Vivian Azimene, confirmed that the selected athletes will soon begin residential training, with additional boxers from the trials joining camp to support the team’s build-up to the Games.
Nigeria is hoping to surpass its outing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where a nine-member boxing team led by Abdul‑Afeez Osoba finished with four medals.
At that edition, Elizabeth Oshoba secured silver, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere earned bronze medals.
Boxing at the Glasgow Games will feature 14 events — seven for men and seven for women — and will take place at the SEC Centre from July 24 to August 1.
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Alongside boxing, the multi-sport event will include competitions in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls and basketball.