NEW ERA FOR NIGERIAN BOXING AS NBF SANCTIONS FIRST-EVER PROFESSIONAL EVENT
NEW ERA FOR NIGERIAN BOXING AS NBF SANCTIONS FIRST-EVER PROFESSIONAL EVENT
Lagos, April 2026
History was made in Nigerian combat sports as the Nigeria Boxing Federation officially sanctioned its first professional boxing event, marking a defining moment in the reform and modernization of the sport in the country.
The historic six-fight card was staged by Core Afrique Boxing Promotions at the Argon Sports Centre in Sijibomi, Elepe, Ikorodu, Lagos, drawing stakeholders from across the Nigerian boxing ecosystem in a colourful atmosphere. 
The Fight Card
Action got underway with a super bantamweight (55.3kg) bout between Emanuel Friday and Hammed Qudus, with Friday winning by unanimous decision after six rounds. In the national lightweight (61.2kg) contest, Qudus Adebayo defeated Lucky James via unanimous decision. Quadri Ilori also secured victory over Ayomide Kasali in their 63.5kg national super lightweight bout. In the national welterweight (66.7kg) category, Taiwo Tomiwa recorded a first-round knockout, stopping Ayobami Okpeyemi in just 36 seconds, while Peter Ejieke also won by knockout. 
Significance of the Event
As part of its ongoing reforms, the NBF has established a professional boxing arm specifically to regulate and oversee professional boxing activities across the country.  The sanctioning of this event is the first tangible fruit of that arm.
Speaking at the event, a stakeholder, Ayodele, said: “The era of fake professional fight records is over. It is truly a new dawn for professional boxing in Nigeria, and I call on all stakeholders to embrace this positive trajectory.” 
Broader Reform Agenda
The NBF’s foray into professional boxing is part of a sweeping transformation of the sport at all levels. The federation earlier in 2026 held its inaugural National Boxing Week at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Complex, National Stadium, Lagos — a week-long event featuring Commonwealth Games trials, a tribute to the late legend Hogan “Kid” Bassey, referee and coaches seminars, and stakeholder engagement sessions. 
The NBF’s 2026 calendar also includes international friendly matches with Rwanda, Madagascar, and Ghana, the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, and a National League — all designed to put Nigerian boxing on a progressive global trajectory. 
The federation has also endorsed the “Chaos in the Ring 4” professional boxing event, organised by Balmoral Group Promotions in partnership with Amir Khan Promotions, with NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu commending promoters for their investment in developing professional boxing in Nigeria. 
Looking Ahead
With the NBF now firmly in the professional boxing space, stakeholders are optimistic that the days of unregulated bouts and inflated fight records are behind them. The federation’s structured approach — combining grassroots development, international competition, and professional regulation — signals that Nigeria is serious about reclaiming its place among the world’s elite boxing nations, consistent with its 24th-place ranking in the 2026 IBA world standings.
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