Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) hosts Nigerian counterparts in thrilling international friendly
The long-standing sporting rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria was reignited on Thursday at the Accra Sports Stadium car park as amateur boxers from both countries faced off in a thrilling international boxing exhibition ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The event formed part of preparations for the upcoming Games, with Ghana’s Black Bombers and Black Hitters hosting their Nigerian counterparts in a series of competitive bouts that attracted boxing enthusiasts and top sports administrators.
Nigeria enjoyed dominance in the women’s division, winning all the female contests, while Ghana responded strongly in the men’s category by securing victories in all but one bout.
The boxing showcase, organised by the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) with support from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), drew several notable personalities from the sports fraternity and beyond.
Among the dignitaries present were NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, GOC President Richard Akpokavie Esq, Hon. Kobi Wayome, Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, Nana Adu Mankatah, George Lamptey, Roger Barnor, Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, Carl Lokko, Bernard Quartey and Edward Osei, CEO of PKO.
The Nigerian delegation included Vice President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Hon. Imadu Yakubu Omonlei, coach Tonye Ageba, Technical Chairman Laguda Babatunde, Secretary General Vivian Akohwarien and team doctor Lazarus Hirekaan.
Ghana’s teams were guided by experienced trainers Dr. Ofori Asare and Charles Quartey, who praised the quality and competitiveness displayed by the Nigerian boxers throughout the event.
GBF President Dauda Fuseni described the competition as an important initiative that strengthens sporting ties between Ghana and Nigeria.
“This kind of engagement helps deepen the relationship between the two countries while also preparing our athletes adequately for major international competitions,” he said.
Richard Akpokavie also commended the organisers and athletes for putting up entertaining performances, expressing hope that West Africa would secure more medals at future international tournaments.
NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah lauded the collaboration between the two nations, describing the competition as both healthy and beneficial for the development of boxing in the region. He also expressed delight with the impressive turnout of fans despite the short notice given for the event.
Earlier in the day, President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, Chief Adebayo Olawale Edun, popularly known as Wale Edun, paid a courtesy call on the NSA Director General where both officials exchanged pleasantries ahead of the competition.
In the ring, Nigeria’s female boxers delivered dominant performances. In the bantamweight 54kg contest, Ghana’s Ramatu Quaye suffered a 5-0 defeat to Kadijat Ajisola, while Nancy Bamfo lost narrowly 3-2 to Aishat Gbadamosi in the featherweight 57kg division.
Nigeria’s African champion Orakwe Blessing, who competes in the 75kg category, did not fight after failing to get an opponent.
Ghana, however, responded strongly in the men’s bouts. In the bantamweight 55kg contest, Amadu Mohammed secured an emphatic 5-0 victory over Michael Ogunremi. Ebenezer Ankrah also cruised to a 5-0 win against Sodiq Oduniyi in the lightweight 60kg division.
Veteran boxer Abdul Wahid Omar edged Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab 3-2 in the light welterweight 65kg bout, while Khalid Abdul lost narrowly 3-2 to Folly Hassan in the light middleweight 70kg category.
In the final bout of the evening, Desmond Pappoe impressed with a commanding display to beat Nigeria’s Daniel Joshua 4-1 in the light heavyweight 80kg division.