Nigeria has named its 10-boxer squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after the conclusion of the open trials at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Friday.
The four-day event, organised by the Nigeria Boxing Federation, drew 128 boxers—121 men and 27 women—competing across ten weight categories. Each champion earned a coveted ticket to represent the nation at the Games.
UK-based boxer and 2023 African Games gold medallist, Patricia Mbata, was among the standout performers, claiming gold in the women’s 70kg category to secure her place on the team, a result that will delight former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who had sent her a video message earlier in the week, urging her to win.
The other female representatives are Udoette Happiness (51kg), Ajishola Kadijat (57kg), Sodipe Damilola (65kg), and Edoka Celestine (+70kg), while the five male qualifiers are Ogunremi Michael (55kg), Wahab Abdurrahman (65kg), Folly Hassan (70kg), Daniel Joshua (80kg) and Anigbodo Kenneth (90kg).
Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Vivian Azimene, had said ahead of the finals that selected boxers would be invited to camp, while outstanding performers from the trials would also serve as sparring partners in preparation for the Games.
Nigeria will be hoping to improve on its 2022 Birmingham outing, where nine fighters led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba returned with four medals—one silver from Elizabeth Oshoba and three bronzes courtesy of Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, with boxing featuring across 14 events—seven men’s and seven women’s categories—alongside athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball.
