Nigeria has named its 10-member boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The team was selected after the national open trials held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex in Lagos, where 148 fighters competed in 10 weight divisions.
Key Performers in Trials
Patricia Mbata, a UK-based fighter, earned her spot by winning gold in the women’s 70kg division. Mbata, the 2023 African Games champion, received a motivational message from former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua before her victory. Other female boxers qualifying for the team include Udoette Happiness (51kg), Ajishola Kadijat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (65kg), and Edoka Celestine (+70kg).
The men’s team features Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Wahab Abdurrahman (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg), and Anigbodo Kenneth (90kg).
Praise for Fighters
Babatunde Laguda, the Nigeria Boxing Federation’s Technical Director, praised the athletes for their dedication. He noted that some boxers not selected would still be invited to training camps as sparring partners to contribute to the team’s preparation.
Vivian Azimene, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, confirmed that the selected boxers would begin training camps soon.
Performance Goal
Nigeria’s boxing team aims to improve on their performance from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. At the last Games, Nigeria earned four medals, including a silver for Elizabeth Oshoba and bronzes for Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be a major opportunity for Nigeria’s boxing team to excel. With a mix of experienced fighters and promising newcomers, the team is focused on achieving their best result yet.
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