Hassan Foly’s Defeat Raises Fresh Questions Over Nigeria’s Boxing Team Selection at Commonwealth Games

Nigeria’s campaign at the ongoing XXIII Commonwealth Games has suffered an early setback following the elimination of boxer Hassan Foly in the men’s 70-kilogram division. Foly lost 4-0 on points to Refiloe Thai of Lesotho in the Round of 32, ending his participation in the competition.

The defeat has sparked fresh criticism of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, with some boxing stakeholders questioning the selection process that produced the country’s team for the Games.

They alleged that the national trials lacked transparency and failed to prioritise merit in the choice of athletes.
Some stakeholders, who spoke anonymously, claimed the outcome was not unexpected, insisting they had earlier raised concerns that irregularities in the selection process could affect Nigeria’s performance.

They argued that several talented boxers were overlooked during the trials.

The critics maintained that Nigeria’s rich boxing tradition should position the country among the leading nations in international competitions, but alleged that administrative shortcomings and questionable selection procedures have continued to hinder the sport’s development.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s campaign continues with five other boxers still in contention.

Abdul-Ramon Abdul-Wahab will compete in the men’s 65-kilogram preliminary bout, while Akintola David is scheduled for the men’s 80-kilogram event on Saturday.

Ajishola Kadijat will contest the women’s 54-kilogram Round of 16 on Sunday, while Patricia Mbata and Orakwe Blessing are billed for their respective quarter-final bouts later in the tournament.

Stakeholders have expressed hope that the remaining athletes will improve Nigeria’s fortunes while calling on the federation to embrace transparency and merit-based selection in future competitions.