Nigeria Unveils 10-Boxer Squad For 2026 Commonwealth Games After Lagos Trials

Nigeria has selected a 10-member boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following the conclusion of the national open trials held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The four-day competition, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation, attracted 148 fighters made up of 121 men and 27 women battling across 10 weight divisions. Winners in each category earned the right to represent the country at the Games.

Among the standout performers was UK-based fighter Patricia Mbata, who claimed gold in the women’s 70kg division to seal her place in the national team. The 2023 African Games champion’s victory came days after former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sent her a video message urging her to go for gold.

Other female boxers who secured qualification include Udoette Happiness (51kg), Ajishola Kadijat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (65kg) and Edoka Celestine (+70kg).

The male fighters who made the cut are Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Wahab Abdurrahman (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg) and Anigbodo Kenneth (90kg).

Technical Director of the federation, Babatunde Laguda, praised the athletes and officials for their dedication throughout the demanding 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,” he said.

Earlier, the federation’s Secretary-General, Vivian Azimene, said selected boxers would head into camp while other impressive fighters from the trials would also be invited to support preparations as sparring partners.

Nigeria will be aiming for a stronger showing than at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, 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 run from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, featuring 14 boxing events split evenly between men and women. Other sports on the programme include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls and basketball.