Commonwealth Games tune-up: Ghana, Nigeria set for high-stakes boxing contest

Ghana’s national boxing teams will step into the spotlight tomorrow (Thursday) as they host fierce West African rivals Nigeria in a high-intensity bilateral international friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium that serves as a crucial test event ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The one-day tournament pits the Black Bombers and Black Hitters (Ghana’s female team) against their Nigerian counterparts in what promises to be a compelling dress rehearsal, offering both nations a final opportunity to gauge readiness before the multi-sport spectacle scheduled for July 23 to August 2.

With the clock ticking towards Glasgow, both camps have intensified preparations. Ghana’s squad has been in residential training at the Winneba Sports College since April 18, while Team Nigeria have been sharpening their edge in Lagos before departing for Accra on Sunday.

Tomorrow’s clash will feature seven official men’s weight divisions, ranging from 55kg to over 90kg, alongside three proposed women’s categories (54kg, 57kg and 71kg) in line with the streamlined Commonwealth Games boxing programme.

For Nigeria, the fixture is more than just a friendly. Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Technical Committee Chairman, Babatunde Laguda, views it as a critical evaluation platform.

“The Ghana friendly tournament is truly the way to go in a time such as this. It will expose our boxers to a more competitive atmosphere. We aim to ensure that our boxers get the best of preparation before July, when the Commonwealth Games begin,” he said, revealing that further talks were ongoing with two other countries for similar build-up bouts.

Ghana’s team, led by experienced trainers Ofori Asare and Charles Quartey, are expected to arrive in Accra today from their Winneba base, with a blend of proven performers and rising prospects primed to headline the contest.

Among the standout names for the Black Bombers are Commonwealth Games medallist Abdul Wahid Omar (2014 and 2022), Accra 2023 African Games gold winner Amadu Mohammed, and the fast-rising Ebenezer Ankrah, who impressed at both the 2024 IBA World Youth Championships and the 2025 IBA World Championships. African Youth champion Desmond Pappoe also adds youthful firepower to Ghana’s challenge.

In the women’s division, the Black Hitters will rely on Nancy Banfo, Ramatu Quaye and Elizabeth Darko to carry the nation’s hopes against a traditionally formidable Nigerian side.

For Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Executive Board member Sarah Lotus Asare, the significance of the event goes beyond results.

“Ghana and Nigeria both have good boxing traditions; an event like this will help the fighters, especially Team Ghana, get their new fighters the exposure they need, while still having the luxury of a home crowd,” she told the Graphic Sports.

“It’s not only about winning, but showing that they are ready and want to win.”