Boxers gear up at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex for Nigeria’s first National Boxing Week and Commonwealth Games trials.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled the inaugural National Boxing Week and the open trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The game which is set to run in March 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Lagos, is a week-long event that will bring together Nigeria’s top boxers to earn a spot at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and athlete development.
At the core of the Boxing Week is the National Open Trials, where only performance and discipline will determine selection. Boxers from affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and the Nigerian diaspora are eligible, with each body permitting one competitor per weight category.
Competition weight divisions:
- Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg
- Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70+kg
NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to fair selection: “Every boxer must earn the right to wear the green and white through performance and discipline. The old tradition of selecting boxers without an open meritocracy is over.”
Nigeria’s boxing legend
The event will also celebrate Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, Nigeria’s boxing legend, whose courage and achievements continue to inspire new generations.
“Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of excellence and national pride. His legacy will motivate young boxers to become champions,” Imadu said.
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According to him, the tribute will connect Nigeria’s rich boxing heritage to its future ambitions. Beyond the ring, the NBF is launching initiatives to strengthen domestic boxing:
- Seminars for referees and coaches to improve standards
- Orientation sessions for boxers on discipline and professionalism
- Stakeholder forums to advance the domestic boxing ecosystem
The NBF will unveil digital reforms, including an automated licensing system, rebranded website and social media platforms, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance governance and transparency.
NBF President, Wale Edun, highlighted the impact of these reforms: “We are positioning Nigerian boxing for global competitiveness administratively and technologically. Governance must be as strong as the punches our athletes throw.”
A Defining Moment for Nigerian Boxing
The maiden National Boxing Week represents a turning point for Nigerian boxing. Combining competition, reform, and heritage, the event offers a transparent pathway for domestic and diaspora boxers to achieve international glory.
For six days in Lagos, the gloves will not only decide champions, they will shape the future of Nigerian boxing.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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