NBF Sets Developmental Agenda With Year-Long 2026 Boxing Programme

NBF Sets Developmental Agenda With Year-Long 2026 Boxing Programme

By Niyi Busari 

In a bid to place Nigerian boxing on a stronger developmental footing, the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has released a comprehensive programme of activities for the 2026 sporting calendar, featuring a blend of local and international engagements.

The road map, compiled by the NBF Technical Committee and signed by Secretary General Vivian Azimene, outlines a structured, year-long schedule designed to enhance athlete development, coaching standards, and officiating capacity across the country.

Activities will begin in January with a National Coaches Workshop in the North-Central zone. February will feature an international friendly series against Rwanda and Madagascar, alongside a National Open Trial to select boxers ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The month will also host the second phase of the National Coaches Workshop in the South-East.

March is set to be one of the busiest months on the calendar, with events including the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, an international friendly against Ghana, registration for the National Boxing League, and the opening of the National Camp in preparation for the Commonwealth Games. The South-South Coaches Workshop will also take place during the month.

In April, Nigeria will participate in the African Boxing Championships and the first World Boxing Cup of the year. The National Boxing League and National Camp will continue, while the North-West Coaches Workshop will round off activities for the month.

According to the document, programmes will continue steadily from May through August. In September, Bauchi State will host a Referees and Judges Refresher Course, followed by Nigeria’s participation in the National Youth Games.

October will shift attention to preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, alongside a Lagos-based Referees and Judges Refresher Course and the Military and Paramilitary Boxing Championships.

November will feature the IOC/NOC course, the World Boxing Cup Final, a joint National Referees and Coaches Workshop, and the 2026 National Sports Festival. The federation’s activities for the year will conclude with the maiden President’s Belt Championship and an awards night.

Speaking on the programme, NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu expressed confidence that the federation’s structured approach would yield significant results.

“We are working assiduously to achieve record success across all our activities this year,” Imadu said. “We have started well and intend to make a bold statement with a well-articulated and inclusive programme.”

He added that sustainable development in boxing requires a holistic approach. “Our activities are designed to cover every aspect of the boxing value chain,” he noted.

Imadu, who was recently elected Vice President of African Boxing, also expressed optimism that Nigerian boxers will secure medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.