Nigeria Boxers Charged To Beat Ghana Ahead Of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Wale Edun, has urged the country’s boxing team to carry the nation’s pride into Thursday’s international friendly against Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Edun delivered the message during a visit to the national training camp in Lagos, where he challenged the fighters to remain disciplined and approach the West African clash with seriousness despite its friendly status.

He reminded the athletes of the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria, stressing that the rivalry with Ghana demands full commitment.

“Firstly, I want you all to be conscious of our national flag which you carry, you must do so with pride, the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana has no exception, despite being a friendly match you must fight for the pride of our nation,” Edun said as quoted by the NBF on Tuesday.

A 17-man Nigerian delegation made up of boxers, coaches and officials is set to depart Lagos through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport ahead of the bout in Accra.

The fixture is part of preparations for the Commonwealth Games, scheduled to hold in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

Chairman of the NBF technical committee, Babatunde Laguda, described the friendly as a crucial test for the squad, noting that real competition offers sharper preparation than training alone.

“The Ghana friendly tournament is truly the way to go at a time like this,” Laguda said.

“Our boxers are currently camping in Lagos ahead of the Commonwealth Games, and this international friendly will further expose them to a more competitive atmosphere.”

NBF vice-president Omonlei Imadu confirmed the federation is close to securing more international friendlies as preparations intensify.

“As part of our camping for the Glasgow Games, we are in the final stages of discussions with two other nations on friendly matches,” Imadu said.

“Our aim is to ensure that our boxers get the best preparation before July when the Commonwealth Games begin.”