By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has announced the maiden edition of the National Boxing Week and the open trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The week-long event will hold in March in Lagos, bringing together the nation’s finest pugilists in a battle for selection to the next Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Road to the 2026 Commonwealth Games
At the heart of the Boxing Week is the National Open Trials — a merit-driven selection tournament designed to produce Nigeria’s representatives for the 2026 Commonwealth Games boxing event.
The trials are open to all affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerian boxers worldwide, including those in the diaspora.
Each affiliated body is permitted to enter one boxer per weight category.
Competition will be held across ten weight divisions:
Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg
Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70+kg
According to NBF Vice President, Omonlei Imadu, the Federation is determined to entrench fairness and transparency in athlete selection.
“The old tradition of selecting boxers without an open meritocracy is not what we want to do anymore,” Imadu stated. “Every boxer must earn the right to wear the green and white through performance and discipline.”
He emphasised that selection will be fierce, transparent, and strictly performance-based, aligning with the reform agenda of the National Sports Commission.
Honouring a National Icon
Beyond competition, the Boxing Week will also celebrate the enduring legacy of Nigerian boxing legend, Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey.
Imadu described Bassey as a timeless symbol of courage, excellence, and national pride.
“Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of courage and excellence. We want to show the younger generation what it truly means to be a hero. His legacy must inspire a new wave of Nigerian champions.”
The tribute is expected to serve as both remembrance and motivation, connecting Nigeria’s boxing heritage with its future ambitions.
Development, Reform and Digital Transformation
National Boxing Week will extend beyond the ring. The Federation has lined up several developmental initiatives, including:
A joint seminar for referees and coaches
Orientation sessions for boxers focused on discipline and professionalism.
Stakeholder engagement forums to strengthen the domestic boxing ecosystem
Over the past three months, the Federation has worked on automating its licensing system and deploying digital infrastructure aimed at improving governance, transparency, and athlete management.
NBF President, Wale Edun, described the digital reforms as central to repositioning Nigerian boxing.
“We are repositioning Nigerian boxing for global competitiveness — not just inside the ring, but administratively and technologically. Governance must be as strong as the punches our athletes throw.”
A Defining Moment for Nigerian Boxing
As Nigeria intensifies preparations for Glasgow 2026, the maiden National Boxing Week promises to be more than a tournament — it is a statement of intent.
Blending competition, reform, history, and national pride, the event is poised to mark a turning point for the sport, offering Nigerian boxers — both at home and abroad — a clear, fair pathway to international glory.
For six days in Lagos, the gloves will not only determine champions — they will shape the future of Nigerian boxing.
