Nigeria boxing trials begin with 128 athletes vying for 10 national team slots ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
The Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex has come alive with fierce competition as 128 boxers battle for places at the national trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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The athletes include 101 men and 27 women, with four diaspora boxers among those competing for 10 coveted slots on Team Nigeria’s boxing squad.
Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Vivian Azimene, said the trials initially allowed three male and three female athletes, but the number was increased to five per gender following a visit by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukonla Olopade.
“In total, 10 athletes will represent Nigeria in boxing across six weight categories,” Vivian Azimene said, commending the competitors for their determination and noting that the inclusion of diaspora boxers had further strengthened competition.
The trials began on Tuesday with preliminary bouts that extended late into the night. Quarter-final contests were held on Wednesday, while semi-final bouts are scheduled for Thursday.
The final bouts and other activities will conclude on Friday between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The competition features 10 weight categories—five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, +70kg).
Nigeria boasts a strong boxing pedigree at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 Games in Birmingham, Team Nigeria fielded nine boxers led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba and secured four medals: one silver and three bronze.
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Boxing will feature at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre. Fourteen events—seven for men and seven for women—will be contested alongside other sports including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball and basketball.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
