Ghana, Nigeria deepen boxing ties ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games

Ghana and Nigeria strengthened their sporting relationship on Thursday night as the two nations squared off in an international friendly boxing tournament at the Accra Sports Stadium as part of preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Nigerian national boxing team travelled from Lagos to Accra for the highly anticipated event against Ghana’s Black Bombers and Black Hitters in a night filled with thrilling bouts and renewed calls for stronger collaboration between African nations.

Ahead of the competition, President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, Chief Adebayo Olawale Edun, paid a courtesy call on the Director General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, where both parties held discussions focused on strengthening bilateral sporting relations.

Edun, popularly known as Wale Edun, stressed the importance of African unity and cooperation, describing Ghana and Nigeria as brotherly nations that must work together to elevate sports development on the continent.

The discussions centered on exchange programmes for athletes and officials, increased travelling opportunities for boxers from both countries and strategies to help West African nations win more medals on the international stage, particularly in boxing.

Members of the Nigerian delegation included coach Tonye Ageba, technical chairman Laguda Babatunde, team doctor Lazarus Hirekaan, Secretary General Vivian Akohwarien and Vice President Omolie Yakubu Imadu.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah welcomed the collaboration, describing the competition as healthy and beneficial for both countries. He also expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout by boxing fans despite the short notice for the event.

The tournament, organised by the Ghana Boxing Federation with support from the Ghana Olympic Committee and the National Sports Authority, attracted several dignitaries including Richard Akpokavie, Hon. Kobi Wayome, Ivan Bruce Cudjoe, Nana Adu Mankatah and George Lamptey.

Others present included Roger Barnor, Alex Ntiamoah Boakye, Carl Lokko, Bernard Quartey, Edward Osei of PKO and officials from the Nigerian Boxing Federation.

In the ring, Nigeria dominated the women’s division while Ghana impressed in the men’s category, winning all but one of the male contests.

In the women’s bantamweight division, Ramatu Quaye lost 5-0 to Nigeria’s Kadijat Ajisola, while Nancy Bamfo was narrowly defeated 3-2 by Aishat Gbadamosi in the featherweight contest.

Nigeria’s African champion Orakwe Blessing, who competes in the 75kg division, did not fight after failing to secure an opponent.

Ghana responded strongly in the men’s division as Amadu Mohammed recorded a commanding 5-0 victory over Michael Ogunremi in the bantamweight category.

Ebenezer Ankrah followed with another dominant 5-0 win against Sodiq Oduniyi in the lightweight division, while experienced boxer Abdul Wahid Omar edged Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab 3-2 in the light welterweight bout.

Nigeria’s Folly Hassan secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Khalid Abdul in the light middleweight contest, but Ghana ended the night on a high as Desmond Pappoe defeated Daniel Joshua 4-1 in the light heavyweight division.

Head coaches of the Black Bombers and Black Hitters, Dr. Ofori Asare and Charles Quartey, praised the Nigerian boxers and described the event as an important test ahead of future international assignments.

President of the Ghana Boxing Federation, Dauda Fuseni, said the tournament had achieved its objective of strengthening ties between the two countries while giving the boxers valuable competitive exposure.

Ghana Olympic Committee President Richard Akpokavie also commended the organisers and expressed hope that West African nations would continue to achieve success and win more medals on the global stage.