Nigeria Boxing Federation Vice President Omonlei Imadu has expressed strong confidence that Patricia Mbata and Blessing Oraekwe can revive Team Nigeria’s boxing campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games despite a difficult start that has seen four Nigerian boxers eliminated from the competition.
The country’s hopes of winning medals in boxing now rest squarely on the shoulders of the two female fighters after a string of disappointing exits reduced Nigeria’s presence in the tournament. While the setbacks have been frustrating, Imadu believes the campaign is far from over and insists the remaining athletes possess the quality and preparation needed to challenge for podium finishes.
Speaking after the latest round of bouts in Glasgow, the federation official remained optimistic that Nigeria could still finish the boxing competition on a positive note.
According to him, both Mbata and Oraekwe have shown encouraging form in training and have the technical ability, determination and mental strength required to compete against some of the best boxers in the Commonwealth.
He emphasized that boxing is a sport where fortunes can change quickly, adding that the performances of the remaining athletes could completely transform Nigeria’s campaign before the competition concludes.
Nigeria’s latest setback came when Ajishola Kadijat suffered a narrow defeat in the women’s 54kg Round of 16 contest against Wales’ Helen Jones. The closely contested bout ended in a 3-2 split decision, bringing an end to Kadijat’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
Her elimination followed earlier exits by Ayomide Foly Hassan, Abdulramon Abdulwahab and David Akintola, leaving only Mbata and Oraekwe to continue the nation’s quest for medals.
Despite the disappointing results, Imadu refused to criticise the eliminated athletes. Instead, he praised their commitment and fighting spirit, noting that every international tournament provides valuable lessons that contribute to an athlete’s long term development.
He explained that competing against elite opponents at the Commonwealth Games offers invaluable experience that will benefit the boxers as they continue preparing for future international competitions, including qualification events for the Olympic Games.
According to the federation official, setbacks are part of every athlete’s journey, and the important thing is for the boxers to remain focused, continue improving and build on the lessons learned in Glasgow.
Attention now shifts to Patricia Mbata, who is scheduled to face England’s Mary Smith in the women’s 75kg quarterfinal. Victory would move the Nigerian into the medal rounds and significantly improve Team Nigeria’s chances of returning home with boxing honours.
Blessing Oraekwe will also carry the nation’s hopes when she takes on Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti in the women’s 70kg quarterfinal. Like Mbata, a victory would guarantee progression and bring Nigeria closer to securing a place on the podium.
The importance of the two contests cannot be overstated. With only two Nigerian boxers still in the competition, every bout now carries enormous significance for the country’s overall performance in boxing.
Team Nigeria has enjoyed a successful Commonwealth Games campaign in other sports, particularly weightlifting and para powerlifting, where athletes have delivered multiple gold medals and set new Games records.
Weightlifters Rafiatu Lawal, Edidiong Umoafia and Onome Didih have all produced outstanding performances to claim gold medals, while the athletics team has also begun its campaign with encouraging displays on the track and in the field. Those achievements have helped maintain Nigeria’s strong position on the medals table despite boxing’s early struggles.
Sports analysts believe Mbata and Oraekwe possess the talent to compete successfully against their opponents if they execute their tactics effectively. Both athletes have impressed during preparations and are regarded among Nigeria’s brightest boxing prospects.
The quarterfinal stage will demand discipline, composure and tactical intelligence, qualities their coaches believe the two fighters possess in abundance.
For Team Nigeria, success in boxing would further strengthen what has already been an encouraging outing in Glasgow and demonstrate the resilience of the nation’s athletes in the face of adversity.
Supporters across the country will be hoping Mbata and Oraekwe can rise to the occasion, deliver memorable performances and restore Nigeria’s medal hopes in the ring.
As the Commonwealth Games continue, the spotlight now falls on the final two Nigerian boxers carrying the nation’s expectations. Their performances over the coming days could determine whether Nigeria’s boxing campaign ends in disappointment or with medals that reward months of preparation and hard work.
With confidence from federation officials and the backing of their teammates, Patricia Mbata and Blessing Oraekwe now have an opportunity to write an inspiring chapter in Nigeria’s sporting story and prove that even after early setbacks, determination and belief can still produce success on the international stage.
