Sports
GOtv Boxing Night @10: Reliving The Top 10 Fights
The 32nd edition of Africa’s premier boxing event, GOtv Boxing Night, is scheduled for December 26 at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. Since its debut in 2014, GOtv Boxing Night has become a prime platform for Nigerian and African boxers to make a name for themselves. Organised by Flykite Productions, the event has wowed boxing fans across Africa with unforgettable national and international title bouts across weight categories. In no particular order, here is a list of the most cracking fights at the event:
1. Waidi ‘Skoro’ Usman vs. Edward ‘Shaka’ Kakembo: The headline bout of the 5th edition, held in December 2015, saw Skoro, a big favourite of the Lagos boxing public, attempt to win the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight title against his Ugandan opponent. But Kakembo, who appeared on the ring wearing big and long chains around his neck, had too much in the tank for Skoro. His speed of thought and hands were too much for Skoro, and in no time, the crowd cheered him loudly. He won by a split decision.
2. Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph vs. Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai: Both were at their peak in 2016 when the bout was held. It was a grudge match, with Nurudeen seeking to avenge his previous defeat in a non-title bout. The chance to exact revenge was twice delayed because Nurudeen, the reigning national champion at the time, was injured.
The chance came on 1 May 2016 and headlined GOtv Boxing Night 7. Nurudeen’s title was on the line. The volume-punching Joe Boy met a tough Nurudeen in what has to be one of the most bruising bouts ever at GOtv Boxing Night. Joe Boy won by unanimous decision after 12 gruelling rounds, winning the N1 million cash prize attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer.
3. Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu vs. Alidu Sulemana: The West African Boxing Union (WABU) title fight, which took place at GOtv Boxing Night 30, had everything: action, drama, controversy and sub-regional rivalry. The last attribute was on account of the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry which, by default, is as fierce as anything. Sulemana, a Ghanaian, battled Olowu with guile and determination for the WABU Super Welterweight title in a very close contest. Olowu ultimately won via a split decision, though some fans felt the Ghanaian fighter deserved the victory.
4. Rilwan Babatunde vs. Edem “Lion Heart” Biki: A very spicy bout despite it being a non-title contest. There was so much aggression and determination on display. Biki was knocked down in the third round and was thought incapable of offering resistance. But he rebounded to do what he was deemed incapable of, delivering a fierce resistance and giving Babatunde a cut above his right eye. Babatunde was not slowed down by the injury, as he returned after being treated to deliver a mean combination, with the last punch an uppercut, to knock Biki unconscious. The medical team’s quick response prevented any serious consequences, and Biki was rushed to a nearby hospital.
5. Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole vs. Celina “Pretty Assassin” Agu: Arranging fights for female boxers can be challenging, but GOtv Boxing Night finally brought these two undefeated fighters together for a national cruiserweight title clash at its 28th edition. Despite suffering a right-hand injury in the fourth round, Black Tito pushed through all eight rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory over Pretty Assassin. Her performance earned her the Best Boxer award, making her the first female to win the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy, breaking a nine-year streak of male recipients.
6. Taiwo “Esepor” Agbaje Vs Richard Taruc Pumicpic: The headliner at GOtv Boxing Night 27, held in December 2022. Then the reigning West African Boxing Union featherweight champion, Esepor finally had the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion. In his path was a Philipino determined to end his unbeaten run. Deep into the seventh round of the explosive encounter, Esepor earned a technical knockout victory, sending the Lagos fans into wild jubilation. His fine display earned him his fourth Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer, along with the cash prize of N1.5m.
7. Stanley “Edo Boy” Eribo Vs Sunday “Capo” Olalekan: A masterclass in controlled demolition. This has remained a classic. It was at GOtv Boxing Night V and the first time the cash prize of N 1.5m was attached to the Mojisole Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy. Eribo and Olalekan clashed in a high-stakes battle for the national light welterweight title, with both fighters determined to emerge victorious. Eribo was methodical and was like a coiled spring, leaping to action only when required. Capo, on the other hand, was an all-out attack machine. Eribo’s control made it easy for him to pick his opponent off. Capo huffed and puffed, but his punches were largely harmless, unlike Eribo’s which did plenty of damage and delivered the title. Eribo also won the N1.5m cash prize for the best boxer..
8. Fijabi “Fijaborn” Fijabi Vs Sadiq “Police Machine ” Ahmed: This had a David-Goliath vibe. Fijaborn, who turned professional a year earlier, was pitched against the reigning national welterweight champion, Police Machine. Though short on experience, Fijaborn had the ability and, importantly, the stamina to execute the assignment. He dismissively defeated Police Machine, knocking him out in the fifth round and leaving him so punch-drunk that he staggered like a drunk walking a straight line. The cheers were deafening as he announced himself as a big-timer.
9 Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu vs. Isaac “I-Star” Chukwudi: A grudge match with the added spice of a national welterweight title fight. Both had clashed in a non-title bout that ended in a draw. Gentle Boy felt he won. I-Star was seen celebrating after the result was announced, which further infuriated Gentle Boy. As the national welterweight champion, Olowu decided to put his belt on the line for a rematch at GOtv Boxing Night 27. Before the fight, I-Star boasted that he would end Gentle Boy’s reign with a knockout. The fight lived up to its billing as both boxers traded force punches. In the eighth round, I-Star’s stamina began to wane. Olowu pounced with a power left hook to the jaw, sending I-Star sprawling like a battlefield casualty. That was the boast buster and the end of the contest won by knockout
10. Raphael ‘Iron King’ Kwabena Vs Olaide ‘Fijaborn’ Fijabi: This Nigeria vs. Ghana showdown was a fierce battle of two undefeated champions. Fijabi, the reigning national champion, sought to bolster his international reputation, while Kwabena had won eight of his nine fights by knockout. With N1.5 million at stake for the best boxer of the 9th GOtv Boxing Night, anticipation was high. Both fighters were evenly matched, and the bout went the distance. Fijabi narrowly claimed victory through a split decision, ending Iron King’s unbeaten streak. Furious at the loss, Kwabena demanded an immediate rematch, which Fijabi accepted. However, the scheduled rematch for the 10th edition was postponed due to an injury Fijabi sustained.
With 31 successful editions, GOtv Boxing Night has delivered thrilling local and international contests over the past decade, turning local boxers into millionaires and providing a platform for amateur boxers to turn professional. It has been a transformative ten years for GOtv in the Nigerian and African boxing scene, creating memorable moments that will endure for both fans and fighters for years to come.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Team Drogba Global Africa claimed its first E1 victory in Monaco, moving to sixth on the table with 59 points.
It defeated Team Brady, which came second over the week, though it leads the championship with 119 points, nine points more than the second on the log, Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola.
Kiwi Micah Wilkinson and his Spanish teammate Tara Pacheco combined to put together a memorable performance and secure a long-awaited first visit to the top step.
Drogba’s best result of the season so far had been seventh in Lake Como, but something clicked in the Principality, and the victory has moved them up to sixth overall.
Home heroes Team Monaco had set the fastest time in qualifying and were leading the way, but they made a wrong turn on the course, which consigned them to join Westbrook in the Place Race. Will Smith’s team took a damage-limiting victory, leaving them in seventh at the end of the day.
But the Finals were both dominated by Drogba. In Final 1, with Tara Pacheco at the wheel, they finished just ahead of Emma Kimiläinen’s Brady E1 RaceBird. The battle resumed in Final 2 and, on this occasion, Micah held off Sam Coleman. Timmy Hansen came through to finish third for Miami to secure their first podium in 13 races.
Micah Wilkinson was also rewarded with PIF Pilot of the Day for his performance in Final 2.
Hosted at the world-renowned Yacht Club de Monaco, the Championship’s third visit to the Principality once again transformed Port Hercule into one of the world’s most spectacular sporting venues.
E1 now heads to its first foray in Southern Africa for the E1 Luanda GP 2026, Angola, on September 12 to 13.
“Huge congratulations to everyone at Team Drogba on securing a remarkably assured maiden victory here in Monaco. We leave with a new Championship leader in Team Brady, with Will Smith’s team in close contention.
“The Principality once again delivered an extraordinary weekend of thrilling on-water action to reinforce our belief that E1 is creating a new chapter in global motorsport. We now head to Angola, Africa, for the next round as the Championship battle intensifies,” the chief executive of E1, Mr Jamie Copas, said.
By Dipo Olowookere
Spain put one past Argentina to clinch their second FIFA World Cup trophy in New Jersey, USA, on Sunday night.
Ferran Torres put the only goal of the match in the back of the South American’s net in the 106th minute after both teams could not settle scores in normal time.
The Argentines, led by Lionel Scaloni, were reduced to 10 men in added time of the second half after Enzo Fernández got his second yellow card for a tackle on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí.
Lionel Messi could not inspire his team to victory in the final watched by the President of the United States, Mr Donald Trump, as the Europeans dominated the match, with Argentina not having a shot on or off target before the extra time.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup champions only managed to show signs of pressing after the winners of the 2010 edition in South Africa scored a minute after the resumption of the second half of the extra 30 minutes.
The win by Luis de la Fuente’s men left Lionel Messi teary after the match. This could be his last World Cup as he turned 39 this year.
The next FIFA World Cup in 2030 goes to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. This year’s edition was hosted by the trio of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Mundial kicked off on June 20, 2026, and ended on July 19, 2026, with 48 teams participating, more than the usual 32 teams of the previous editions.
On July 23, Nigeria’s main grassroots tournament kicks off: players from the top 100 teams across five divisions of Lagos will compete for the championship title, a generous prize pool, the prestige of their home communities, and their dream of signing their first contract with a professional club.
1xCup has helped many talented players make a name for themselves. Thanks to their standout performances at the tournament, more than 30 footballers have earned spots on professional teams in Nigeria, Bulgaria, Norway, Albania, North Macedonia, and many other countries.
1xCup top success stories
From their debuts in the NPFL and second-tier European leagues to call-ups to the Nigeria national team, the stories of 1xCup graduate players could easily serve as the script for a new Hollywood sports drama. Defensive midfielder Adeoye Aderemi Jacob was named one of the top breakout stars of the 1xCup 2025. His dedication and energy helped the Naths Boys reach the tournament’s final four and caught the attention of Ikorodu City scouts. Adeoye Aderemi Jacob quickly adapted to the professional level and even earned a call-up to the Nigeria national team for friendly matches against Zimbabwe and Jamaica as part of their preparations for the.
Several 1xCup graduates have built successful careers in Europe. Martins Idowu plays in Serbia, Peter Ahisu in Bulgaria, and Okere Ebube in North Macedonia. Lawani Clinton, Bada Moses, and Raheem Ibrahim Ogede have continued their football careers with professional clubs in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nwana Okechukwu and Kayode Akinyemi are representing their homeland in the Egyptian and Beninese leagues.
The 1xCup 2026 will continue this mission. Starting with the knockout stage, scouts from professional clubs will be in attendance at the tournament’s matches. This means that every participant will have a chance to prove themselves, get noticed by experts, and perhaps write a new chapter in their football history.
1xCup 2026 is open to everyone
Nigeria’s most prestigious grassroots tournament has helped football talent shine and demonstrated that our country is capable of organizing large-scale sports events. The list of participants in the qualification was made publicly available, and every fan can follow the match results and the standings on the official 1xCup Instagram page.
The tournament’s matches are drawing huge interest from viewers, so the organizers have expanded their media coverage. The 1xCup Podcast is set to launch very soon, featuring well-known figures from Nigeria’s football community who will discuss the main storylines and standout players of the fourth season, as well as share exclusive insights with fans.
Watch from the front row as the next generation of football stars is born, and follow the action from the grassroots tournament on the official 1xcup.ng website or on the project’s Instagram page.
