The age-long boxing rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana will once again take center stage as both countries square off in an international pre-Commonwealth Games friendly tournament at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday, May 7.
The clash comes as both nations intensify preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
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Team Nigeria’s boxing contingent arrived in Accra with eight fighters , five male and three female boxers alongside five officials for the international test event, which is expected to revive one of Africa’s fiercest sporting rivalries.
Often described as the “Jollof Derby” in boxing circles, the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana dates back to the 1950s and 60s when boxing served as a major symbol of national pride for both countries.
While football now dominates West African sports conversations, boxing once stood as the leading sport in both nations, producing legendary African world champions.
Ghana established itself as a continental powerhouse through iconic names such as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey and David Kotei “Poison,” while Nigeria also produced generations of elite fighters and continues to challenge Ghana’s dominance through international and regional bouts.
Over the years, the rivalry has extended beyond the ring, fueled by decades of sporting competition, cultural comparisons and national pride between the two West African giants.
Recent encounters have continued to keep the rivalry alive, including international challenge fights at GOtv Boxing Night and several bilateral tournaments featuring fighters from both nations.
The latest meeting in Accra is expected to provide both teams with crucial international exposure and technical assessment ahead of Glasgow 2026.
Team Nigeria Squad to Ghana
Male Boxers
Ogunremi Michael – 55kg
Sodiq Oduniyi – 60kg
Abdulrahmon Abdulwahaab – 65kg
Folly Hassan – 70kg
Daniel Joshua – 80kg
Female Boxers
Kadijat Ajisola – 54kg
Aishat Gbadamosi – 57kg
Orakwe Blessing – 75kg
Officials
Tonye Ageba – Coach
Babatunde Laguda – Technical Chairman
Lazarus Hirekaan – Doctor
Vivian Akohwarien – Secretary General
Omolie Yakubu Imadu – Vice President
The Nigeria Boxing Federation stated that the friendly tournament will help evaluate the readiness of the athletes after weeks of intensive camping at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Beyond preparation for the Commonwealth Games, the tournament is also expected to reignite the pride, intensity and competitive spirit that have defined Nigeria-Ghana boxing contests for generations.
