The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has announced plans for its first-ever National Boxing Week, scheduled to take place from March 1–6, 2026 at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Lagos.
A Week of Boxing Excellence
The week-long festival will feature a series of high-profile boxing events, headlined by the National Open Trials, which will select boxers to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, adhering strictly to the merit-based standards of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
National Boxing Week will also celebrate the enduring legacy of Hogan “Kid” Bassey, Nigeria’s legendary boxing champion who placed the country on the global boxing map.
Words from the NBF President
Speaking on the occasion, NBF President Edun Adewale Olawale emphasized the importance of honoring past heroes while cultivating future champions:
“Hogan Bassey remains an enduring symbol of courage, excellence, and national pride. We want to honor him and inspire a new generation of Nigerian champions.”
National Open Trials: Merit-Based Selection
The National Open Trials, taking place during Boxing Week, aim to ensure transparent and merit-based selection for all boxers, including home-based athletes and Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Selection will no longer be based on old traditions. Every boxer must earn the right to wear the green and white through performance and discipline,” Olawale stated, encouraging all eligible Nigerian boxers to participate.
Eligibility & Weight Classes
Trials will be open to affiliated clubs, state associations, institutions, and eligible Nigerians worldwide, with each body allowed to present one boxer per weight category. Competitions will cover ten weight classes:
Men: 55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg
Women: 51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 70+kg
Beyond the Ring: Development & Innovation
National Boxing Week will go beyond competition to include a developmental agenda, featuring:
Seminars for referees and coaches
Orientation sessions for athletes
Stakeholder engagements to strengthen the domestic boxing ecosystem
Additionally, the NBF will unveil new digital platforms and infrastructure, including an automated licensing system, a rebranded online presence, and enhanced tools for governance and athlete management.
“We are repositioning Nigerian boxing for global competitiveness, both inside and outside the ring. Strong governance is as vital as strong punches,” Olawale added.
A Landmark Celebration
National Boxing Week promises to be a definitive moment for Nigerian boxing, blending competition, reform, history, and national pride into a week-long celebration of the sport.
The announcement was issued by Kola Daniel, S.A, Media, who noted that the federation’s media team is ready to provide further updates and coverage throughout the week.