Oluchi tobex tobe-Chukwu.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) for successfully organizing the National Boxing Week and Commonwealth Games Open Trials in Lagos, describing the event as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s chances at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Hon. Olopade made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where the week-long boxing spectacle attracted a large number of athletes, officials and stakeholders from across the country and the diaspora.
The maiden National Boxing Week, held from March 1 to March 6, featured a series of activities including seminars for coaches and referees, athlete orientation programmes and the highly competitive open trials aimed at selecting Nigeria’s representatives for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
More than 120 boxers, including male and female fighters as well as Nigerian athletes based abroad, participated in the trials across ten weight categories, competing for the coveted opportunity to represent Team Nigeria at the Games.
Commending the Nigeria Boxing Federation for organizing a transparent and highly competitive selection process, Olopade noted that the trials were conducted without the controversies that have often characterized combat sports competitions.
“I must commend the Nigeria Boxing Federation for putting up a trial that has been devoid of acrimony. One of the fears we always have as administrators in combat sports is the controversy that often surrounds judgments in matches, but that has not happened in this competition,” Olopade said.
The NSC boss also highlighted the impressive participation of athletes from the Nigerian diaspora, describing it as a reflection of the Commission’s broader strategy to integrate foreign-based Nigerian athletes into the country’s sports development framework.
“You look at the number of boxers that entered the competition, including several fighters from the diaspora. This fits perfectly into our strategy at the NSC of giving our children in the diaspora the opportunity to return home and compete regularly with athletes here in Nigeria. With that, Nigeria can always boast of having the very best athletes to represent us internationally,” he added.
Hon. Olopade also expressed delight at the quality of bouts witnessed during the competition, describing the fights as thrilling and of international standard.
According to him, the technical quality and fighting spirit displayed by the boxers provide strong optimism that Nigeria could secure podium finishes in boxing at the Commonwealth Games.
“The fights have been exhilarating and world-class. If our fighters replicate these kinds of performances at the Commonwealth Games, I believe gold, silver or bronze medals will not be far from Nigeria,” he stated.
The NSC Director General further commended the leadership of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, particularly the President and Vice President, for their dedication to the growth of boxing in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, noting the presence of key officials including the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development at the event.
Looking ahead to Nigeria’s broader preparations for the Commonwealth Games, Olopade revealed that several sports federations have already commenced various programmes aimed at ensuring Team Nigeria surpasses its previous performances at the Games.
“We need to continue doing what we are doing. Everything about our preparation has been different. The Athletics Federation has already held major events, including Diamond League activities, while a six-week training camp has commenced. When you also consider how well Nigerian athletes are performing in collegiate competitions in the United States, it gives us a lot of hope that we will excel at the Commonwealth Games.”
He emphasized that the National Sports Commission has adopted a new athlete-centered approach aimed at improving the welfare and performance of Nigerian athletes.
Olopade also credited the renewed energy in Nigerian sports administration to the leadership and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that improved funding and policy direction have enabled sports federations to operate more effectively.
