Sports
GOtv Boxing Night: Lagos Awaits the Sportainment Carnival
The pleasing fusion of boxing and music, as well as the gold standard for Nigerian sporting events, GOtv Boxing Night, is set to return
When the first bell rings at the 34th edition of GOtv Boxing Night on December 26, the Tafawa Balewa Square will, once again, transform into a stage where the grit of boxing meets the glamour of live music and entertainment. It will not just be another fight card. It will be the continuation of a spectacle that has fused sport with entertainment. Last week, Flykite Productions, organisers of the show, announced that the next edition will be held on 26 December at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
The journey to this point was anything but straightforward. Before GOtv stepped in, Nigerian boxing was struggling to survive. Once the pride of the nation, the sport had slid into neglect. Fighters lacked opportunities, promoters lost interest, and fans drifted away. The arenas that once echoed with cheers fell silent.
That silence was broken in November 2014, when GOtv Boxing Night debuted with a modest yet ambitious mission: to bring boxing back to life. Few believed it would last. But it has and it has thrived.
“Before 2014, when GOtv Boxing Night debuted, Nigerian boxing was no longer in existence; it had gone down completely. Thank God for GOtv Boxing that came to the rescue. The situation has now changed positively. Boxing is now bringing back the glory Nigeria had in the past,” said Dr Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C).
The revival rested on consistency. Unlike the occasional bouts of the past, the GOtv Boxing Night began to offer boxers regular bouts and exposure on live television as well as the chance to build careers. SuperSport’s broadcasts carried the fights beyond the venues, reaching millions across Africa and turning boxers into household names.
Still, the organisers, Flykite Productions, knew boxing alone might not be enough. The breakthrough came in 2017, when they added live musical performances to the mix. Burna Boy, Teni, Mayorkun, Zlaatan, Ruger, Daddy Showkey, 9ice and Sule Alao Malaika are among the stars who have shared the stage with boxers. What began as a sporting event has become a cultural carnival, drawing in fans who came for both boxing and performances.
That fusion, tagged Boxing Jams Music, has redefined the event. It is no longer just about fights, but about experience.
“Nobody connected to Nigerian boxing can fail to see the strides being made since GOtv intervened in 2014. Their investment has rescued our beloved sport from irrelevance. Boxers are happy, fans are delighted, and even continental bodies are satisfied with the revival,” said Remi Aboderin, President of the West African Boxing Union (WABU).
The revival is visible in the numbers. Since inception, more than 270 boxers from Nigeria and abroad have competed at GOtv Boxing Night, with fighters from Ghana, Tanzania, Argentina, and the United States stepping into the ring. The event has birthed champions such as Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, and Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde.
The Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy, awarded to the best boxer of the night, has become one of the most coveted prizes in Nigerian sport, with prize money running into millions of naira. For boxers, it is not just a trophy but a ticket to recognition and better opportunities.
“When I won Best Boxer, it changed everything for me. The recognition and the prize money gave me confidence to chase bigger ambitions,” said Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, former African Boxing Union lightweight champion.
Young talents like Raheem “Badoo” Animashaun embody the event’s future. Barely 17, he has already captured the WABU super lightweight title and is quick to credit the platform for his rise. Without GOtv Boxing Night, I would not be where I am today,” he said.
The impact has not gone unnoticed by leaders outside boxing. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and a long-time stakeholder in the sport, described GOtv Boxing Night as a lifeline. “From decline, from being in the backwaters, boxing has gradually made its way back. The fighters need nurturing and opportunities, which GOtv has provided,” he said.
Beyond boxing, GOtv Boxing Night has become the blueprint for how to organise and manage sporting events in Nigeria. With its blend of professionalism, consistency, and entertainment, the model is being studied and in some cases, copied by other sports promoters. From crowd management and production quality to the integration of music and marketing, the event has set a new standard for what fans should expect from live sports in the country.
Aboderin believes this is no accident. “This is what happens when private investment is paired with vision. GOtv Boxing Night has raised the bar not only for boxing but for Nigerian sport as a whole,” he said.
As the 34th edition approaches, the excitement is palpable. Fans are not only anticipating the fights but also the atmosphere; the lights, the music, the drama. For them, GOtv Boxing Night has become more than sport. It is entertainment, culture and community rolled into one.
The international break gives way to a packed Easter weekend of football across Europe, headlined by FA Cup quarter-final drama in England and high-stakes league action in Spain, Italy and France. With titles, European places and silverware all on the line, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.
FA Cup: Heavyweights Collide in Quarter Finals
Saturday’s action is headlined by a blockbuster at 1:45 PM as Man City face Liverpool in a clash between two of England’s dominant forces. City arrive with momentum after their Carabao Cup triumph, while Liverpool will be eager to respond after a recent dip in form.
At 6:15 PM, Chelsea host Port Vale in a tie that carries enormous pressure for the Blues. Chelsea’s season has unravelled in recent weeks, while Port Vale continue to embrace their giant-killing run.
The quarter-finals continue at 8:00 PM as Southampton face Arsenal under the lights. Arsenal will be desperate to respond after their cup final disappointment, while Southampton will look to capitalise on home advantage.
Sunday rounds off the action at 5:30 PM with West Ham vs Leeds in an all-Premier League encounter, with both sides seeking momentum in an evenly matched contest.
All FA matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).
La Liga: Title Race Intensifies, Madrid Derby Looms
Saturday begins at 3:15 PM with Real Madrid travelling to Mallorca, aiming to maintain pressure at the top. The headline fixture follows at 8:00 PM as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in a crucial meeting that could shape both the title race and the battle for the top four.
Sunday’s action features Getafe vs Athletic Club at 1:00 PM and Valencia vs Celta Vigo at 3:15 PM, before Monday night sees Girona take on Villarreal at 8:00 PM, with Villarreal looking to protect their position in third. La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).
Serie A: Pressure Mounts on Inter as Rivals Close In
Sunday night’s standout fixture comes at 7:45 PM as Inter host Roma, with the league leaders seeking to halt a dip in form.
Monday delivers a full schedule, beginning at 11:30 AM with Udinese vs Como, as the in-form visitors look to extend their remarkable run. Juventus face Genoa at 5:00 PM under mounting pressure, before Napoli host AC Milan at 7:45 PM in a decisive clash between Inter’s closest challengers. Serie A fixtures will be shown on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Ligue 1: Title Chase Heats Up Across France
Friday night opens at 7:45 PM with PSG hosting Toulouse, as the leaders balance domestic priorities with looming European commitments.
Saturday’s headline fixture at 8:05 PM sees Lille take on Lens in a high-stakes northern derby with title implications.
Sunday features Angers vs Lyon at 2:00 PM, before Monaco host Marseille at 7:45 PM in a crucial encounter that could reshape the race for Champions League qualification.
Ligue 1 matches air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).
Weekend Highlights
FA Cup
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Man City vs Liverpool — Sat, 1:45 PM
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Chelsea vs Port Vale — Sat, 6:15 PM
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Southampton vs Arsenal — Sat, 8:00 PM
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West Ham vs Leeds — Sun, 5:30 PM
La Liga
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Mallorca vs Real Madrid — Sat, 3:15 PM
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Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona — Sat, 8:00 PM
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Getafe vs Athletic Club — Sun, 1:00 PM
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Valencia vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 3:15 PM
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Girona vs Villarreal — Mon, 8:00 PM
Serie A
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Inter vs Roma — Sun, 7:45 PM
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Udinese vs Como — Mon, 11:30 AM
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Juventus vs Genoa — Mon, 5:00 PM
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Napoli vs AC Milan — Mon, 7:45 PM
Ligue 1
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PSG vs Toulouse — Fri, 7:45 PM
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Lille vs Lens — Sat, 8:05 PM
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Angers vs Lyon — Sun, 2:00 PM
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Monaco vs Marseille — Sun, 7:45 PM
Watch Every Game
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
As anticipation builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African football continues to command global attention with a new generation of stars and established leaders ready to shine on the biggest stage. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist highlights a blend of elite talent and rising influence, with key players expected to carry their nations deep into the tournament.
Leading the spotlight is Mohamed Salah, whose consistency, speed, and goal-scoring ability remain crucial for Egypt’s ambitions. Salah’s experience in high-pressure matches and his leadership role make him one of Africa’s most dependable performers heading into the tournament.
Nigeria’s hopes will heavily rely on Victor Osimhen, a striker known for his explosive pace, aerial strength, and clinical finishing. Osimhen has developed into one of Europe’s most feared forwards, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments could be key for the Super Eagles on the global stage. From Cameroon, Bryan Mbeumo brings versatility and attacking intelligence. His ability to operate across the front line, combined with his creativity and work rate, makes him a valuable asset in breaking down organized defenses.
Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri represents the new wave of African midfield talent. Known for his energy, technical skill, and vision, Mejbri adds dynamism and unpredictability to Tunisia’s setup, especially in high-tempo matches. These players reflect the tactical diversity and growing strength of African football. From attacking firepower to midfield creativity, their performances will shape not only their national teams’ success but also the overall competitiveness of African nations at the World Cup.
Tracking top-performing players and key moments gives you a sharper edge when breaking down fixtures and spotting winning opportunities. Easywin Nigeria makes it simple to turn that insight into real value, offering competitive odds, live match updates, fast payout systems, instant withdrawal options, cashback rewards, and a rewarding double deposit offer that keeps you in control.
Step into the excitement of World Cup 2026 with Easywin Nigeria. Stay ahead with smart predictions, explore upcoming matches, and unlock cashback benefits alongside the double deposit offer, all on a secure and seamless platform built for a winning experience. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist showcases the continent’s growing influence in global football. With stars like Salah, Osimhen, Mbeumo, and Mejbri leading the charge, Africa is set to deliver excitement, quality, and unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stage.
By Dipo Olowookere
Italian professional manager and former player, Roberto De Zerbi, has returned to England to serve as the new Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur’s football team.
He will fight to ensure the London team does not play in the Championship next season, as the team currently sits one point from relegation.
The former Brighton manager is taking over from Igor Tudor, who parted ways with Tottenham a few days ago.
In a statement, Spurs said the appointment of De Zerbi is subject to a work permit.
The club’s Sporting Director, Mr Johan Lange, said, “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.
“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”
Reacting to his choice for the job, De Zerbi said, “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.
“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.
“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”
De Zerbi earned almost 300 appearances in his playing career across 15 years. He began coaching in his native Italy and in June 2018, joined Serie A side Sassuolo, earning recognition for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based approach.
He took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May 2021, leading them to the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first piece of silverware as a coach.
Heading to East Sussex to join Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2022, De Zerbi helped secure the Seagulls’ highest-ever Premier League finish in his debut season, earning European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
In his most recent role at Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in 2024/25, earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
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