Nigeria’s boxing campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has suffered another setback after Patricia Mbata was narrowly eliminated in the women’s 75kg quarter-finals, leaving Blessing Orakwe as Team Nigeria’s sole remaining boxer in the competition.
Mbata’s hopes of securing a podium finish ended on Tuesday following a heartbreaking 3-2 split decision defeat to England’s Mary Kate Smith at the SEC Centre.
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The closely contested bout saw both fighters trade punches across three rounds, but the judges narrowly awarded victory to the home favourite.
The defeat means Nigeria has now lost five of its six boxers at the Games, with Orakwe carrying the nation’s final medal aspirations in the boxing event.
Attention now shifts to the women’s 70kg division, where Blessing Orakwe faces a stern test against Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti in Wednesday’s quarter-final.
Victory will guarantee Orakwe a place in the semi-finals and secure at least a bronze medal under the tournament’s boxing format.
Orakwe has impressed with her composure and determination throughout the competition and will be aiming to produce another strong performance against the experienced Australian, who is known for her aggressive style and tactical discipline.
With Nigeria’s boxing contingent reduced to a single athlete, hopes now rest firmly on Orakwe to keep the country’s medal ambitions alive in Glasgow.
A win over Pergoliti would not only extend Nigeria’s presence in the boxing competition but also provide a timely boost for Team Nigeria as the Commonwealth Games enter their decisive stages.
Nigerian fans will be watching closely as Orakwe steps into the ring, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to celebrate another medal-winning performance.
