Story by Fayobi Adedoyin
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled the full programme of activities for the maiden National Boxing Week and the open trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The event will take place from March 1 to 6, 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, situated within the National Stadium in Lagos.
A key highlight of the week-long programme will be the National Open Trials, which will determine the boxers to represent Nigeria at the boxing event of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Participation in the trials is open to all affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerian boxers worldwide. Each affiliated body is expected to present one boxer per weight division.
The competition will feature 10 weight categories:
Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg
Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70+kg
Beyond the trials, the Federation will honour Nigerian boxing legend Hogan Kid Bassey, celebrating his life and contributions to the sport. The week will also include seminars for referees and coaches, orientation sessions for boxers focused on discipline and professionalism, and stakeholder engagement meetings aimed at strengthening the local boxing structure.
In line with its reform agenda, the Federation will unveil new digital initiatives during the event. These include the automation of its licensing system, a rebranded official website and social media platforms, and improved digital infrastructure to enhance governance, transparency, and athlete management.
Speaking on the significance of the event, NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, emphasized the importance of honouring the past while building a stronger future for Nigerian boxing.
“Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of courage, excellence, and national pride. As an icon, we want to celebrate him with respect and honor and show the young ones what it truly means to be a hero. His legacy must inspire a new generation of Nigerian champions.
“The old tradition of selecting boxers without an open meritocracy is not what we want to do anymore, especially under the leadership of the National Sports Commission and its strong focus on merit. Every boxer must earn the right to wear the green and white through performance and discipline.
“We are calling on all Nigerian boxers, at home and in the diaspora, to seize this opportunity. This open trial will determine who represents Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Selection will be fierce, fair, and based strictly on merit.”
Also speaking, NBF President, His Excellency Hon. Wale Edun, described the Federation’s digital transformation as a critical step toward repositioning the sport.
“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.”
National Boxing Week is expected to serve as a defining moment for the sport, blending competition, legacy celebration, structural reform, and national pride into one landmark event.
