The week-long trials, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), drew 128 athletes from across the country and abroad. After several rounds of grueling bouts that often stretched late into the night, ten champions—five men and five women—emerged to secure their places in the squad that will represent Nigeria in Glasgow.
Among the standout performers was Patricia Mbata, the 2023 African Games gold medalist, who delivered one of the most commanding displays of the trials. Mbata, who balances her boxing career with her profession as a construction engineer in the United Kingdom, showed remarkable composure and determination in the women’s +70kg final.
Still carrying the disappointment of narrowly missing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, she responded in emphatic fashion with a clinical 5–0 unanimous decision victory over reigning national champion Blessing Orakwe. Her dominant performance reaffirmed her status as one of Nigeria’s most reliable medal prospects heading into the Commonwealth Games.
Mbata headlines a formidable women’s contingent of five boxers. In the 51kg category, Happiness Udoette secured her spot after edging Fathia Gafar in a closely fought 3–2 decision that kept spectators on edge. Kadijat Ajibola demonstrated superior ring control in the 57kg division, defeating Aishat Gbadamosi 4–1, while Damilola Sodipe produced a flawless performance in the 65kg class with a commanding 5–0 win over Abibat Ismail. Celestine Edoka rounded off the women’s lineup with a confident 4–1 victory against Queen James in the 70kg final.
The men’s competitions were equally dramatic, producing several tightly contested bouts. Diaspora boxer Kenneth Anigboro, who trains in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, captured the 90kg title after edging Abiodun Adesoja in a tense 3–2 split decision. Michael Ogunremi impressed with a dominant display in the 55kg category, outclassing Habeeb Owazeem in a 5–0 unanimous decision.
Southpaw Wahab Abdulrahman also booked his ticket to Glasgow after defeating Ridwan Saliu 4–1 in the 65kg division, while Folly Hassan secured the 70kg spot with a solid 4–1 victory over Precious Nwoha. Joseph Daniel completed the men’s lineup in the 80kg category after advancing via walkover against Fara Sleeraf.
In total, ten fighters—equally split between men and women—have earned the right to represent Nigeria at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The federation has also indicated that several standout performers who did not win their categories will be invited to the national training camp as sparring partners to strengthen preparations for the competition.
NBF Technical Director Babatunde Laguda praised both the athletes and officials for their commitment throughout the demanding selection process. According to him, the long hours and intense competition reflected the growing depth and competitiveness within Nigerian amateur boxing.
“Most times the fights ended late into the night, but we ensured fairness in every bout,” Laguda said. “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.”
Nigeria will be looking to build on its performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where a nine-member boxing team led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba secured four medals. Elizabeth Oshoba won a silver medal, while Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere each claimed bronze.
With preparations now shifting toward intensive training and tactical refinement, the newly selected squad will aim to surpass that achievement when the 2026 Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow.
The multi-sport event is scheduled to run from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. Boxing will feature 14 medal events—seven for men and seven for women—alongside competitions in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball.