British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua could finally fight on Nigerian soil in 2026, as plans for a homecoming bout in Abuja are now at an advanced stage.
Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group and son of sports administrator Dr. Amos Adamu, confirmed ongoing talks with Joshua’s camp. The proposed venue is the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with the event expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026.
“Joshua has always said that before he ends his career, he wants to fight in Nigeria, and we are going to make that fight happen,” Adamu told The Punch. “If we had an offer from Nigeria, it’s a match made in heaven.”
Potential opponents for the historic bout include Tony Yoka, Martin Bakole, and even Deontay Wilder, who has Nigerian heritage.
Adamu firmly ruled out Ghana as a possible host, stating: “Joshua is Nigerian. Nigeria is the biggest market. It’s a no-brainer for him to fight here.”
Joshua, born in Watford, England, has proudly embraced his Nigerian roots — even tattooing the country’s map on his shoulder. He spent part of his childhood in Nigeria and has often spoken of his desire to fight in front of his local fans.
The initiative could mark a turning point for boxing in Africa, with Adamu saying Nigeria has both the infrastructure and the audience to host a global boxing spectacle. He pointed to the upcoming Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos as a sign of what’s possible.
If confirmed, this would be Anthony Joshua’s first professional fight in Nigeria, and a major milestone for African boxing.
