Nigeria has been awarded the hosting rights for the inaugural African Boxing Congress and Boxing Gala Night, a landmark event for Olympic-style boxing on the continent that will be held in Lagos on Sunday, 28 December 2025.
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 organization 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. Imadu said the NBF is committed to staging a successful inaugural event that will “position both the NBF and our nation as a central hub for the highest boxing decision-making body on the continent.”
Officials and analysts say the Congress is more than a meeting: it could help Nigeria and African Boxing attract development programs, sponsorship and technical support, and strengthen pathways for the continent’s athletes ahead of major international competitions. The event has also been linked in media reports to broader plans that could see Africa host boxing qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although official confirmation of qualifiers has not yet been announced.
In addition to meetings and governance work, the program will include a Boxing Gala Night, billed as a showcase for talent and a networking platform for federations, promoters, and international partners. African Boxing has reportedly chosen Lagos for its headquarters, a move that would further cement the city’s role in continental boxing administration.
What to expect
When: Sunday, 28 December 2025
Where: Lagos, Nigeria
Who: Nigeria Boxing Federation as host; representatives from 20+ African national federations; members of the African Boxing Working Committee
Organizers and stakeholders say the Congress represents a significant step toward unified governance and accelerated development of Olympic-style boxing in Africa, encompassing grassroots coaching and athlete development, staging continental competitions, and aligning with global boxing bodies. Hosting the inaugural meeting and locating a continental headquarters in Lagos would mark a significant boost for Nigeria’s influence in African boxing.
Local organisers and African Boxing will release full event schedules, delegation lists, and logistical details in the coming weeks. Media and stakeholders interested in coverage or partnership opportunities are expected to watch for official announcements from the Nigeria Boxing Federation and African Boxing.
