NBF picks Mbata, nine others for 2026 Commonwealth Games

African champion, Patricia Mbata, at the weekend, defeated national champion, Blessing Orakwe, to qualify for the boxing event of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
At the national trials organized by Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Sports Complex, National Stadium, Lagos, nine others fighters picked their tickets to the Commonwealth Games after four days of entertaining bouts.
The trials featured 128 boxers, 121 men and 27 women, who competed across 10 weight categories, with each champion earning a ticket to represent the nation at the Games.
Mbata, a UK-based construction engineer and 2023 African Games gold medallist, who narrowly missed out on the Paris 2024 Olympics, reaffirmed her reputation as one of the best fighters in the world by Orakwe 5–0 in the women’s +70kg final. Her victory was one of five tickets claimed by women boxers.
Joining Mbata in the women’s squad are Happiness Udoette, who edged Fathia Gafar 3–2 in the 51kg; Kadijat Ajibola, who outclassed Aishat Gbadamosi 4–1 in the 57kg; Damilola Sodipe, who dominated Abibat Ismail 5–0 in the 65kg; and Celestine Edoka, who floored Queen James 4–1 in the 70kg.
The men’s division also produced gripping contests. Diaspora boxer Kenneth Anigboro, based in Yorkshire, UK, claimed the 90kg crown after a tense 3–2 victory over Abiodun Adesoja, Michael Ogunremi impressed with a 5–0 win over Habeeb Owazeem in the 55kg, while southpaw Wahab Abdulrahman defeated Ridwan Saliu 4–1 in the 65kg.
Folly Hassan secured the 70kg ticket with a 4–1 win over Precious Nwoha, and Joseph Daniel advanced in the 80kg after a walkover against Fara Sleeraf.
In total, five men and five women will fly Nigeria’s flag in Glasgow, with additional boxers invited to camp as sparring partners to sharpen preparations.
Speaking at the end of the event, NBF Technical Director, Babatunde Laguda, commended the resilience of the athletes and officials, noting the intensity of the trials: “Most times the fights ended late into the night, but we ensured fairness in every bout.
“Winning does not always mean you are the best, so we will still invite some of the outstanding boxers to camp as sparring partners. Their contributions will be vital to the team’s success.”
Nigeria will be hoping to improve on its 2022 Birmingham outing, where nine fighters 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 is scheduled for July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, with boxing featuring across 14 event, seven men’s and seven women’s categories, alongside athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls, and basketball.