Organisers say the Congress will bring representatives from more than 20 national federations across Africa to Lagos for meetings, policy-setting sessions, and a gala night celebrating the sport’s new continental structures.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Nigeria will host the inaugural African Boxing Congress and Boxing Gala Night on Sunday, December 28, 2025, which will bring together representatives from over 20 affiliated national federations from across Africa to Lagos.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), led by Hon. Wale Edun, secured the event from African Boxing, the continental governing body that operates under World Boxing, after a decision the organisation said reflects Nigeria’s capacity to lead the development of the sport across Africa.
Organisers say the Congress will bring representatives from more than 20 national federations across Africa to Lagos for meetings, policy-setting sessions, and a gala night celebrating the sport’s new continental structures. In a letter to the NBF, African Boxing described Nigeria as “a strategic nation with the capacity to lead a holistic advancement of the squared ropes sports in the continent”.
The body also confirmed the appointment of NBF Vice President, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, as a member of the African Boxing Working Committee and as Head of Organisation for the Congress. Speaking about the development, Imadu expressed excitement about the opportunity: “As a federation, we would do all in our power to host a successful event in December. As the head of the organisation, I am particularly excited at the prospect of having the congress in Nigeria because it’s one that will position both the NBF and our nation as a central point for the highest boxing decision-making body on the continent”.
The December event not only bolsters Nigeria’s profile in international sports but also positions the Nigeria Boxing Federation favourably to attract several developmental programs that will aid the advancement of Olympic-style pugilists in the country through the continental governing body.
More importantly, the hosting rights place Nigeria in pole position to host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics boxing qualifiers in Africa, signalling a milestone in Nigerian participation in global boxing and strengthening the nation’s commitment to sports development.