The Nigeria Boxing Federation has officially ratified the selection of ten athletes to represent the nation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a rigorous trial session held at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Trials Produce Champions
Out of 128 fighters who competed on Friday, ten emerged as champions and secured their tickets to Glasgow. The Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from 24 July to 1 August 2026 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow. Boxing competitions will feature 14 events: seven for men and seven for women. The 2026 Games will also include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball, with extensive coverage and streaming on betting sites, top media channels, and mobile apps in Nigeria.
Patricia Mbata Shines
The standout performer of the trials was Patricia Mbata, the African Games 2023 gold medallist. The UK-based construction engineer overcame memories of missing out on a ticket to Paris 2024 by defeating national champion Blessing Orakwe via a 5-0 unanimous decision in the women's +70kg final. Mbata will lead the team, joining four other women who qualified: Happiness Udoette (51kg), who edged out Fathia Gafar 3-2; Kadijat Ajibola, who outclassed Aishat Gbadamosi 4-1 in the 57kg; Damilola Sodipe, who dominated Abibat Ismail 5-0 in the 65kg; and Celestine Edoka, who floored Queen James 4-1 in the 70kg.
Men's Category Highlights
Exciting contests also marked the male category. Kenneth Anigboro, a coach based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, became Nigeria's 90kg representative after outpointing home-based fighter Abiodun Adesoja 3-2. Golden Baoko Joseph Daniel qualified for the men's 80kg after his opponent, Fara Sleeraf, failed to appear at the weigh-in, handing him a walkover victory.
Technical Director's Praise
NBF Technical Director Babatunde Laguda praised both the athletes and officials who supervised the thrilling night of bouts across four days. He stated, "Winning doesn't always mean one is the best boxer. So we will still be inviting some of the fighters that showed exceptional skills during the trials to the camp as sparring partners. We believe they will play a huge role in helping the team excel."
Looking Back at Birmingham 2022
At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, nine fighters led by team captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba won four medals. Silver and bronze medals were secured by Elizabeth Oshoba and Cynthia Ogunsemilore, as well as Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere, respectively. Consequently, anything short of the 2022 mark for the upcoming 2026 Games would be considered a disappointment.
