Ghana narrowly defeated Nigeria 4–3 in a boxing friendly held in Accra on Thursday as both countries fine-tuned preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The bout, staged at the Accra Sports Stadium, was organised to test the readiness of both nations’ squads ahead of the Games scheduled for 23rd July 23 to 2nd August.
Nigeria’s women began strongly, with Kadijat Ajisola delivering a dominant performance against Ramatu Quaye in the bantamweight (54kg) category, winning five rounds to nil.
Aishat Gbadamosi also edged Nancy Bamfo 3–2 in the featherweight (57kg) bout, while Blessing Orakwe did not compete after her opponent failed to show up.
However, Ghana responded strongly in the men’s division.
Amadu Mohammed defeated Michael Ogunremi 5–0 in the bantamweight (55kg) category, while Ebenezer Ankrah also recorded a 5–0 win over Sodiq Oduniyi in the lightweight (60kg) bout.
Nigeria briefly fought back when Folly Hassan defeated Khalid Abdul 3–2 in the light middleweight (70kg), but Ghana sealed victory after Desmond Pappoe beat Daniel Joshua 4–1 in the light heavyweight (80kg).
Nigeria Boxing Federation Vice-President Omonlei Imadu said the friendly was part of wider preparations and confirmed plans for more warm-up fights.
“We are in advanced discussions with two other nations over additional warm-up fixtures before the Games begin,” he said.
Head coach Anthony Konyegwachie also noted the result as a learning point, recalling Nigeria’s past dominance over Ghana in earlier meetings.
The federation said the contest will help assess performance levels and improve competitiveness before Glasgow 2026.
