She expressed confidence that the process would produce the strongest possible team. “That’s why we are doing the trial, to give all boxers the opportunity to be part of the team. We will ensure we pick those who will make the country proud,” she added.

For many of the athletes, the stakes are deeply personal. One of the competitors, Sharafadeen Fawas, captured the mood in the arena. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to participate. This shows the hard work and dedication I’ve put in. My expectation is to make the cut for the national camp and to show Nigeria how committed I am,” he said.

Competition spans 10 weight categories — five for men (55kg, 65kg, 70kg, 80kg and 90kg) and five for women (51kg, 57kg, 65kg, 70kg and 70+kg).

Nigeria arrives at the Glasgow Games with a strong Commonwealth pedigree in boxing. At the 2022 edition in Birmingham, the team fielded nine fighters led by captain Abdul-Afeez Osoba and returned home with four medals — one silver through Elizabeth Oshoba and three bronzes courtesy of Cynthia Ogunsemilore, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 24 to August 1 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, where boxing will feature across 14 events — seven men’s and seven women’s categories — as part of a 10-sport programme that also includes athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, netball, bowls and basketball.