Sports
GOtv: A Brand Offering the Springboard for Local Boxing Talents
A new Nigerian boxing sensation emerged on May 1 at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, when 16-year-old Raheem “Badoo” Animashaun emerged best boxer at the 31st edition of GOtv Boxing Night.
‘Badoo’ defeated his more experienced opponent, Samuel “Apata Roro” Moses in the fourth round of their national light welterweight challenge bout to take home the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and the cash prize of N1 million attached.
He became the third rookie boxer to win the prize, after two other Nigerian boxers, Opeyemi ‘Sense’ Adeyemi, and Rilwan ‘Babyface’ Babatunde, won the award at GOtv Night 18, and 21 respectively. These boxers have since risen to stardom on the GOtv Boxing Night platform and elsewhere, with their path to stardom an attestation to GOtv’s investment and commitment to boxing growth in Nigeria.
For ‘Badoo’, Boxing runs in the genes. When GOtv Boxing Night birthed in 2014, his father, Jamiu “Rotor” Animashaun, was one of the professional boxers who graced the rings. ‘Rotor’ was on the bill at the second edition of GOtv Boxing Night held in 2015. On the other hand, “Babyface”, who rose to become the national, sub-regional and African Boxing Union welterweight champion, is a product of GOtv NextGen search, an initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young amateur boxing talents. “Sense”, who currently plies his trade in the United States of America, is also a product of GOtv Boxing Night and was chosen at as the standout rookie at the fourth edition of the initiative in Abeokuta in 2018.
While the GOtv brand continued to invest in talent development, GOtv Boxing Night, organised by Flykite Productions, has established a strong platform for Nigerian boxers to vie for world and regional titles. Taiwo “Esepor’ Agbaje is currently the biggest name on GOtv Boxing Night circuit, after he made the event his springboard to national and international recognition.
The boxer, who has won the GOtv Boxing Night best boxer award more than any other, fulfilled his dream of becoming a world champion in December 22, when he defeated his Filipino opponent, Richard Taruc Pumicpic, to win the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental featherweight title at GOtv Boxing Night 27.
Prior to Esepor’s feat, another Nigerian, Onoriode “Godzilla” Ehwariemi, won the World Boxing Federation intercontinental heavyweight title by defeating Ariel “Chiquito” Baracamonte of Argentina, at GOtv Boxing Night 20. This was followed by a double world title win for Nigerian boxers at the 22nd edition, where Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu and “Babyface” won the WBF world super featherweight and welterweight titles respectively.
Likewise, GOtv Boxing Night has produced memorable career moments for Nigerian boxers on the regional front. At the last edition of the boxing fest, two Nigerians, Segun “War” Adeyemi, and Adeyemi “Spirit” Adekanla, battled each other for the West African Boxing Union (WABU) light welterweight title, with “War” emerging victorious. He thus joined the likes of “Real One”, Taiwo “Gentle Boy’ Olowu, Olaide” Fijaborn” Fijabi, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, Waidi “Skoro” Usman, and “Babyface”, on the list of Regional title winners on the GOtv Boxing Night stage.
The GOtv Boxing Night platform has also provided huge international exposure to boxing talents. In 2017, Abolaji “Afonja Warrior” Rasheed, boxed for the then-vacant super welterweight Commonwealth title, in Sheffield England. In 2018, Waidi “Skoro” Usman, battled Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile in South Africa, for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Continental Africa super featherweight title. Similarly, “Baby Face” of the GOtv NextGen fame, vied for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Oriental middleweight title against Ukrainian Dymtro Mytrovanov in Kiev. For the three boxers, it was their first professional match outside the country’s shores.
With GOtv Nigeria, and Flykite Productions, boxers on the local scene can continue to cling to the hope of actualising their career dreams, under the lights, or the night skies, when GOtv Boxing Night returns for the next edition.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn