Local and diaspora athletes clash at Lagos’ Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex as the Nigeria Boxing Federation searches for its best fighters for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has recorded a total of 128 boxers for the national trials aimed at selecting representatives for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The 128 applicants, including four diaspora-based athletes, are currently locked in fierce competition at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The trials attracted 101 male and 27 female fighters, producing spirited performances across various weight categories since the preliminary bouts began.

Following medical screenings and weigh-ins, the competition has progressed steadily, with the semi-finals scheduled for today and the quarter-finals set for Wednesday. The championship bouts are slated for Friday, March 6, in what organisers describe as a carnival-like atmosphere from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, NBF Secretary-General Vivian Azimene confirmed that the team size has expanded following the intervention of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.

Azimene expressed confidence that the selection process would produce the strongest possible team to represent Nigeria at the Games.

In her words: “That’s why we are conducting the trials—to give all boxers the opportunity to be part of the team. We will ensure we pick those who will make the country proud.”
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow. Boxing will feature in 14 events—seven for men and seven for women—as part of the Games’ 10-sport programme.