Nigeria’s Boxing Trials Reach Climactic Finish as Commonwealth Selection Looms

The final bouts of Nigeria’s national boxing trials are set to take place today in Lagos, bringing an end to several days of fierce competition as athletes aim to secure one of the 10 places on the country’s boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The event has drawn wide interest, with boxers from across the nation — and some based abroad — all pushing for the chance to represent Team Nigeria.

The championship fights are being held at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex inside the National Stadium in Surulere, where competitors have tested their skills across a range of weight categories. The selection process has been intense, with early rounds filtering out contenders and leading up to today’s decisive matchups that will determine who advances to the training camp and ultimately the international stage.

In total, 128 boxers — including 101 men and 27 women — have taken part in the open trials, showcasing both home‑grown talent and strong performances from diaspora fighters. Organisers and federation officials see the competition as a crucial step in building a strong squad capable of winning medals at the upcoming Games.

The Commonwealth Games, scheduled from late July to early August, will feature boxing alongside other sports, offering Nigerian athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the best in the Commonwealth. For many boxers, today’s final trials mark the culmination of months of preparation and a pivotal moment in their careers.