Mar 4 • 20:28 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

128 boxers jostle for 10 slots at Commonwealth Games trials

128 boxers are competing for 10 spots on Team Nigeria for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The recently held National Trials at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex in Nigeria has attracted a competitive field of 128 boxers, with 101 men and 27 women, including four diaspora participants, vying for a limited number of positions. These trials serve as the selection process for Team Nigeria's boxing squad heading to the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The selection was initially set for six slots but has been expanded to ten due to interventions from sports authorities.

Vivian Azimene, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, indicated that the trials were originally designed to accommodate three male and three female boxers, but following discussions with the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, the Federation received authorization to increase the number of athletes who can qualify to five from each gender. This decision underscores the growing recognition of the need to promote and support boxing in Nigeria, especially as they aim to have a strong representation at international competitions.

The 10 athletes selected through this rigorous trial will compete across six different weight categories, which is crucial for rounding out a diverse and capable team. The developments around these trials reflect Nigeria's commitment to fostering talent in the sport, aiming not only for successful participation in the Commonwealth Games but also for long-term growth in boxing on both national and international stages.

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