Nigeria Boxing Federation Launches National Boxing Week and 2026 Commonwealth Games Trials
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has announced the inaugural National Boxing Week, scheduled to take place from March 1–6, 2026, at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Lagos. The event will serve as the platform for open trials to select the Nigerian boxing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
National Open Trials: A Merit-Based Selection Process
The National Open Trials are open to all affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerian boxers worldwide, including those in the diaspora. Each affiliated body is expected to present one boxer per weight category. The trials aim to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process, a shift from previous selection methods, according to the NBF.
NBF President, Wale Edun, emphasized the commitment to fairness: “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.”
Weight Categories
The competition will feature ten weight categories:
- Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg
- Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70+kg
Honoring a Boxing Legend: Hogan “Kid” Bassey
National Boxing Week will similarly celebrate the life and legacy of Hogan “Kid” Bassey, a Nigerian boxing icon who achieved global recognition. The NBF aims to inspire a new generation of Nigerian champions by honoring Bassey’s contributions to the sport.
“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 indicate the young ones what it truly means to be a hero. His legacy must inspire a new generation of Nigerian champions,” said Edun.
Beyond the Trials: Development and Modernization
The NBF’s agenda extends beyond the trials to include:
- Joint seminars for referees and coaches
- National orientation sessions for boxers, focusing on discipline and professionalism
- Stakeholder engagement meetings to strengthen the domestic boxing ecosystem
The Federation is also undertaking a digital transformation, automating its licensing system, rebranding its official website and social media platforms, and developing digital infrastructure to improve governance, transparency, and athlete management. “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,” Edun stated.
A Defining Moment for Nigerian Boxing
National Boxing Week represents a significant step forward for Nigerian boxing, blending its rich history with a commitment to modernization and a merit-based approach to athlete selection. The event promises to be a landmark occasion for the sport in Nigeria.