LAGOS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Former Nigerian boxer Jerry Okoroduduhas expressed optimism that the country's boxers can win the boxing event of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

    The 19th Commonwealth Games take place in New Delhi, India between Oct. 3 and 14.

    Okorodudu told reporters in Lagos that the National Sports Commission (NSC) should ensure the boxers participate at a series of domestic and overseas tournament to gain experience ahead of the Delhi Games.

    "We have boxers who can help Nigeria win the Commonwealth Games," the former boxer, who was one of the Los Angeles '84 Olympic Games most flamboyant boxers, said.

    "Our undoing at international competitions is poor planning. We believe in late preparation and that has denied us medals at major championships," he added.

    "If we change this time and invest in the boxers Nigeria will be the team to beat in India," he said.

    He urged the NSC to invite tested coaches to work with the national team to enable the boxers to learn the latest tricks.

    The Commonwealth Games medalist insisted Nigeria did not need a foreign coach to succeed at major tournaments, saying the country was blessed with hardworking and talented coaches.

    Nigeria struggled to win one silver (Olalehin Adura) and two bronze (Nestor Bolum and Olufemi Ajayi) at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, placing a distant 12th in the overall medals table.