Efe Ajagba and Elizabeth Oshoba, two Commonwealth Games medallists, have supported Nigeria’s upcoming fighters as the Nigeria Boxing Federation has begun national open trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
As part of the inaugural National Boxing Week, which ran from March 1 to 6, the trials got underway at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex within the National Stadium in Lagos.
The competition is open to affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerian boxers worldwide. Ten weight divisions—five for men and five for women—will be chosen solely on the basis of merit.
Ajagba, who rose to international fame in the professional ranks after winning bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, advised young athletes not to let difficult circumstances at home stifle their desire.
I want to encourage young people—not just boxers—to keep going and give it their all. The 31-year-old remarked, “I understand that things may be difficult, but you can never let your passion end.”
After stopping former IBF champion Charles Martin in the fourth round in Las Vegas, the hard-hitting heavyweight, who is presently ranked eighth by The Ring magazine, just extended his professional record to 21 wins, one loss, and one draw. Nigeria’s inherent strength needs to be skillfully refined, he said.
“African fighters, we are powerful and strong.” Because this is what gives us the advantage, I tell our fighters to just add more methods rather than wasting that power. Some of us are able to become champions because of our innate power. We also stand out because of the mental toughness that comes from the hustle, according to Ajagba.
Oshoba, who won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, said that the trials were a turning point for prospective boxers.
Many boxers long for the chance to participate in these trials. I understand what it means to represent Nigeria because I have been on that stage. Simply put, I advise you to leave all in the ring. The IBF No. 1 super lightweight contender stated, “Give them no choice but to pick you.”
The 26-year-old made history in January 2024 when she defeated Italy’s Michela Braga to earn the WBC silver featherweight title, becoming the first female boxer from Nigeria to do so. She maintained that it is possible to get from local trials to the podium.
It is feasible to go from a national trial to a podium in the Commonwealth Games. I’ve experienced it. The most crucial factor is that you have faith in your own abilities and the job you have done. Talent is insufficient on its own; you need to be prepared when the time comes, according to Oshoba.
The return of Nigerian boxers living abroad for the trials, according to NBF Vice President Omonlei Imadu, is a sign of increased confidence in the federation’s reforms.
“Nigerian boxing is entering a new era. The fact that our athletes from overseas are coming home to compete says a lot about the legitimacy of the approach we are developing. The Commonwealth Games selection process will be competitive, but it will be impartial and only based on merit, according to Imadu.
There will be fights in the women’s 51 kg, 57 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, and over 70 kg divisions as well as the men’s 55 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 80 kg, and 90 kg divisions. Registration is fixed at ₦10,000 per boxer.
Beyond the ring, National Boxing Week will feature stakeholder meetings, athlete orientation sessions, and joint seminars for officials and coaches with the goal of bolstering the domestic game.
The federation is also set to unveil an automated licensing system and new digital governance framework, part of efforts to modernise the sport’s administration.
