Abdulwahab Exits as Team Nigeria's Boxing Campaign Begins with Defeat

Posted : 25 July 2026

Team Nigeria's boxing campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games began on a disappointing note on Friday after Abdulramon Abdulwahab was eliminated in the opening round of the Men's 65kg competition.

Abdulwahab exited the tournament in the Round of 32 following a 5-0 unanimous decision defeat to Uganda's Nuhu Batte at SEC Hall 5.

Batte controlled the contest from the opening bell with sharp movement, accurate combinations and disciplined tactics. The Ugandan consistently dictated the pace of the bout and prevented the Nigerian from settling into a rhythm across all three rounds.

Despite Abdulwahab's determination and aggressive approach, he struggled to break through Batte's solid defence. The Ugandan maintained his composure throughout the contest, convincing all five judges to award him victory by unanimous decision.

The defeat represents an early setback for Team Nigeria's boxing squad, but hopes remain high with several other Nigerian fighters still scheduled to begin their campaigns later in the competition.

Team officials will now look to the remaining members of the boxing team to revive Nigeria's medal challenge and build on the country's positive overall start to the Games.

Although the boxing team endured disappointment, Team Nigeria continued to enjoy an outstanding opening day in Glasgow through its para powerlifting squad. The country's lifters delivered an impressive haul of two gold medals and three silver medals while setting one Commonwealth Games record and two world records.

Folashade Oluwafemiayo won gold in the Women's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event with a world-record lift of 134.8kg, while Esther Nworgu claimed gold in the Women's Lightweight category with a Commonwealth Games record lift of 119.0kg.

Rita Ferdinand added a silver medal in the Women's Heavyweight event after lifting a world-record 128.2kg under the previous mark, while Esther Oyema secured silver in the Women's Lightweight category with 115.5kg. Roland Ezuruike also claimed silver in the Men's Lightweight event with a total of 153.9 points.

With five medals already secured, Team Nigeria remains well placed in the early stages of the Games and will hope its boxers can add to the country's growing medal tally in the coming days.

Team Nigeria Medal Table – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Gold: 2
Silver: 3
Bronze: 0
Total: 5

Nigeria's Medal Winners

Folashade Oluwafemiayo – Women's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting (Gold, World Record – 134.8kg)
Esther Nworgu – Women's Lightweight Para Powerlifting (Gold, Games Record – 119.0kg)
Rita Ferdinand – Women's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting (Silver – 128.2kg)
Esther Oyema – Women's Lightweight Para Powerlifting (Silver – 115.5kg)
Roland Ezuruike – Men's Lightweight Para Powerlifting (Silver – 153.9 points)

Abdulwahab Exits as Team Nigeria's Boxing Campaign Begins with Defeat

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