Nigeria has officially signaled its intent for podium dominance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, unveiling a formidable 10-boxer roster following an intense, high-stakes national trial. After four days of grueling competition at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex in Lagos, the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has selected the champions who will carry the nation’s hopes to Scotland this July.
One name stole the headlines: Patricia Mbata. The UK-based 2023 African Games gold medalist lived up to the hype in the women’s 70kg category.
Adding a touch of heavyweight magic to her victory, Mbata received a personal video message from former world champion Anthony Joshua earlier in the week, the encouragement ringing in her ears, she dominated her bracket to secure her ticket to Glasgow.
The squad is a balanced mix of five elite women and five powerhouse men, each having survived a massive field of 128 competitors.
The Women’s Team:
Udoette Happiness (51kg)
Ajishola Kadijat (57kg)
Sodipe Damilola (65kg)
Patricia Mbata (70kg)
Edoka Celestine (+70kg)
The Men’s Team:
Ogunremi Michael (55kg)
Wahab Abdurrahman (65kg)
Folly Hassan (70kg)
Daniel Joshua (80kg)
Anigbodo Kenneth (90kg)
Nigeria Boxing Federation Technical Director Babatunde Laguda highlighted the sheer scale of the event, which saw 121 men and 27 women battle late into the night.
”Most times the fights ended late into the night, but we ensured fairness in every bout,” Laguda stated.
To ensure the squad is battle-ready, the Nigeria Boxing Federation is not just stopping at the winners. Outstanding performers who narrowly missed out will be invited to the national camp as sparring partners, a strategic move aimed at sharpening the reflexes and conditioning of the primary qualifiers.
The 2026 squad carries the weight of expectation to surpass Nigeria’s 2022 performance in Birmingham. That year, a nine-fighter team led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba returned with four medals: one silver from Elizabeth Oshoba and three bronzes courtesy of Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe, and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow. Boxing remains a flagship sport for Nigeria, featuring across 14 events (seven men’s and seven women’s categories) alongside athletics, swimming, and basketball. With a mix of international experience and raw local talent, these boxers are ready to turn the SEC Centre into a gold mine.
