128 BOXERS BATTLE FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES SLOTS AT NATIONAL TRIALS
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Agency Report
The Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex is witnessing intense competition as no fewer than 128 boxers vie for spots at the National Trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the athletes comprise 101 men and 27 women, including four diaspora boxers, all competing for 10 available places on Team Nigeria’s boxing squad to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Vivian Azimene, disclosed on Wednesday that the trials initially provided for three male and three female boxers. However, the allocation was expanded to five male and five female slots following a visit by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukonla Olopade.
“We were initially going with three women and three men, but after the visit of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, we were assured of five female and five male slots. In total, 10 athletes will represent Nigeria in boxing across six weight categories,” Azimene said.
She commended the boxers for their resilience and noted that the inclusion of diaspora athletes had heightened the level of competition. “That is why we are conducting the trials — to give every boxer an equal opportunity to be part of the team. We will ensure that those selected will make the country proud,” she added.
Preliminary bouts began on Tuesday and extended late into the night, while quarter-final contests were held on Wednesday. Semi-final bouts are scheduled for Thursday, with the trials set to climax on Friday between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The competition features 10 weight categories — five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and +70kg).
Nigeria boasts a strong boxing pedigree at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Team Nigeria fielded nine boxers led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba and secured four medals — one silver and three bronze.
Boxing will be among the 14 events contested at the 2026 Games, scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre, alongside athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball and basketball.
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