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See Celebrity boxing fights fans want to watch

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The buzz from the viral celebrity boxing clash between street-hop star, Okikiola Badmus, aka Portable; and content creator and digital streamer, Oderhohwo Efe, better known as Carter Efe, has barely settled, but fans are already matchmaking the next set of headline-grabbing bouts. Across social media, timelines have turned into virtual fight cards, with fans proposing celebrity rivalries they believe would not only sell out arenas but also settle long-standing tensions, industry competition, and deeply rooted fan wars. TOFARATI IGE takes a look at some of the matchups Nigerians can’t stop talking about

Iyabo Ojo vs Liz Anjorin

It is not an exaggeration to describe the rivalry between actresses— Iyabo Ojo and Liz Anjorin— as one of Nollywood’s most entrenched personal battles.

Their conflict, which has spanned several years, has played out in waves: explosive Instagram videos, accusations of betrayal, legal threats, and deeply personal allegations that drew in colleagues and fans alike. At various points, the feud escalated beyond professional rivalry into something more emotional and deeply rooted, with both actresses accusing each other of orchestrating smear campaigns.

For many observers, a boxing match would represent something symbolic: a final confrontation that replaces endless online back-and-forth with a definitive, if theatrical, conclusion.

Apparently thinking along that line, Ojo took to Instagram shortly after the Portable/Carter Efe fight to tease a bout of her own with Anjorin.

She posted a video, which showed her wearing a boxing glove, and prancing about like someone in the ring. The video also featured a flyer that read, “Iyabo Ojo Vs Liz Anjorin. The voiceover that accompanied it insisted that she was ready to demolish Anjorin in a bout. She also tagged showbiz executive, Soso Soberekon, and E-Money who were part of the organisers of the Portable/Efe fight to put good money on the table in sponsorship of the proposed fight.

Another video she posted showed her engaging in different workout sessions at the gym, while Anjorin was shown in what appeared to be a construction site, moving away from something (offscreen) as the words, “Please, help me. She is taking me to where I don’t know,” were dubbed over it.

Acting true to type, Anjorin responded swiftly. In a series of posts on social media, she insisted that she would destroy Iyabo in the boxing ring.

In one of the videos, she said, “Set the fight date, Paul Okoye. If Iyabo Ojo comes out alive, call me a bastard. Do you know how many years I spent in doing fayawo (sic) (being a smuggler). You did not learn boxing, you want to become a smuggler. Iyabo, you won’t spend two minutes before you die. I will send you running. You, this unfortunate person that has undergone surgery, you are bragging that you want to fight me. Go and look at Mr Lawal (her husband’s) face. He is a certified boxer. Iyabo, even if I don’t undergo any other training, my husband’s training is enough for me.

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“Paul Okoye (referring to showbiz executive and Iyabo Ojo’s boyfriend), my husband is not ready to join issues with you. He just wants to reset you with his fist. He will never disappoint me. Either you’re dead or alive, my fight with Iyabo Ojo will continue. I am coming with two coffins; one each for you and Iyabo.”

Wizkid vs Davido

No rivalry in modern African music has generated as much sustained energy as that between Wizkid and Davido.

Dating back to the early 2010s, when both artistes emerged as leading voices of a new afrobeats wave, their careers have unfolded in parallel; hit for hit, award for award, global milestone for global milestone. While both have shared stages and even publicly embraced each other at different times, the competitive undercurrent has never fully disappeared.

Fuelled by fiercely loyal fanbases — Wizkid FC and 30BG — every chart position, streaming milestone, or international recognition have become a proxy war.

Indeed, a boxing match between the two would “break the Internet” as not a few millions of people will tune in to watch what is sure to be an interesting rumble.

Burna Boy vs DJ Tunez

On the morning of April 8, 2026, many Nigerians (and millions of others all over the world) woke up to see videos of global afrobeats star, Burna Boy, pummeling disc jockey, DJ Tunez, on the floor at an entertainment hangout, Obi’s House, in Lagos.

Eyewitness accounts circulating online claimed the situation intensified after members of Burna Boy’s entourage became involved, before calm was eventually restored.

However, taking to social media, DJ Tunez, who is Wizkid’s official DJ, alleged that Burna’s entourage descended on him, making it an unfair fight. Alluding to this, Wizkid also wrote on X, “P***y n***a Jump a dj with 10 man carry diddy towel Dey dance. I never see fool like this diddy babe for my life.”

Many fans have wondered what a rematch on a level boxing ring would look like. It is a spectacle millions of people would love to witness no doubt.

Funke Akindele vs Toyin Abraham

At the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s latest movie, ‘Return of Arinzo’, one scene stood out above all else. As several cameras clicked away, popular actress, Funke Akindele looked studiously away as her colleague, Toyin Abraham, desperately tried to catch her attention and greet her. It was a classic snub, many said.

The incident caught many by surprise because even though they had been seen as fierce rivals for several years, it was widely believed that they had reconciled and were on better terms.

When many fans criticised Ojo for not mediating between the two friends, she took to social media to declare that she was done trying to do that.

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In a post shared on her Instagram page, the actress and producer said she would be speaking on the issue for the “first and last time”, as she pushed back against criticism directed at her.

Ojo said she had made several efforts in the past to reconcile both actresses, noting that their relationship had experienced ups and downs over the years. According to her, she once publicly criticised Akindele during a disagreement linked to Abraham’s film, a move she now admits was wrong.

She explained that she later settled her differences with Akindele, and subsequently tried to broker peace between both parties. Ojo said she pleaded with them to put their issues aside, adding that they eventually agreed to move forward and keep any future disagreements off social media.

Her post, however, revealed that tensions resurfaced in December after Abraham raised concerns about her film’s performance in cinemas, alleging possible sabotage. Ojo said the claims led to speculation among fans, some of whom accused Akindele, reigniting friction between the two actresses.

With the legendary fight defying all measures to quench its fire, perhaps a boxing bout will eventually do the magic. Many people will readily keep a vigil outside the venue of such a match.

K1 De Ultimate vs Obesere

Long before social media amplified celebrity conflicts, the fuji music scene thrived on rivalry, and few have embodied that spirit like K1 De Ultimate and Obesere.

Their feud spans decades as the “omo rapala” crooner, Obesere, has often spoken out against K1.

While reacting to K1’s criticism of a former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode,  Obesere had described the latter as “greedy, selfish and disrespectful”.

A 2018 press statement signed by Obesere’s manager, Arems Adeniyi, and published by Vanguard Newspaper, read in part, “It is no longer news that Wasiu Ayinde has always been a greedy man who likes keeping everything to himself by every possible opportunity around him, but like it’s been said that all things doesn’t fall into places as there will be some drawbacks in life. The era of Ambode has not been favourable to him as it was in the past regime of the two past governors of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola.”

“What do we call someone who is parading himself as the leader of fuji music while we have Chief Ayinla Kollington alive? Alhaji Kollington Ayinla recently recorded an album, but it was later realised that the same Wasiu Ayinde confused the marketers expected to sell the album to ignore it due to his selfish and personal interest and because he thought Kollington must have scolded him in the album.”

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Even though K1 has rarely commented on the seeming feud, many fuji lovers will like to see the two veterans settle it once and for all on a boxing ring.

Peter Okoye vs Paul Okoye

In a “battle” that has lasted several years with many seasons, it did not take many by surprise when the singer, Peter Okoye, announced that he would no longer be sharing the same birth date with his twin brother, Paul. It was just another episode in the brothers’ long drawn saga.

As P-Square, the twin brothers once dominated African pop music, delivering hit after hit and building a legacy that transcended borders. But their journey has been repeatedly disrupted by internal conflicts; disagreements over management, finances, and creative direction that led to multiple breakups.

While they have reconciled at different times, tensions have resurfaced in recent years, often spilling into the public domain.

A boxing match, though unlikely, would represent a dramatic manifestation of sibling rivalry.

Gideon Okeke vs Jim Iyke

The tension between Gideon Okeke and Jim Iyke emerged from a public critique that quickly escalated into a broader conversation about Nollywood’s past, present, and future.

Okeke’s comments were seen by some as a challenge to the old guard, while Iyke’s responses reinforced his reputation as one of Nollywood’s most outspoken figures.

A boxing match between the two would symbolise more than personal disagreement; it would represent a generational face-off within the industry.

VeryDarkMan vs Blord

Controversial social media personality, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man, may have sent tech entrepreneur, Linus Ifejirika, aka Blord, to prison, but it remains to be seen if he can knock him out of a boxing ring.

Driven by accusations, exposés, and counterclaims, their clashes have dominated online discourse, drawing in supporters and critics in equal measure.

For many, a boxing match feels like the inevitable next chapter; a physical climax to a feud born and sustained in the digital space.

Carter Efe vs Shanks

After stepping into the ring with Portable, Carter Efe is already being lined up against Shanks.

Both creators are products of Nigeria’s booming digital comedy scene, where content is fast-paced, competitive, and often driven by clout.

However, it is also not a secret that the duo has not been on good terms. When Shanks was recently asked about his relationship with Efe, he had responded that they were “good”. But, Carter was not having that. He quickly went streaming and maintained that they did not like each other, and there was no need to pretend.

Fans will like to see if Carter can treat Shanks the same way he did to Portable on the ring.

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Plateau gov apologises to Igbo over civil war role

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Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau were “deceived” into participating in the conflict.

Speaking during an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Mutfwang urged both sides to put the painful chapter behind them and strengthen the bonds of unity.

According to a report by The Guardian on Monday, the governor commended the Igbo community for its contributions to Plateau State’s socio-economic development, describing them as an integral part of the state’s growth and prosperity.

He noted that Plateau had remained one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war and recalled that compensation had been paid for some of the losses suffered during the conflict.

“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.

“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper,” Mutfwang said.

The governor also appealed to Igbo entrepreneurs in Plateau State to support indigenous businesses by creating opportunities for young people through mentorship and investment.

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“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes,” he said.

During the meeting, leaders of the Igbo community endorsed Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, who described the governor as a leader committed to equity and development.

“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity.

“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State,” Onah said.

Onah also praised the governor’s developmental efforts, saying the state had become more conducive for business and investment.

“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.

Also speaking, former President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Mike Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the economic development of Plateau State.

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He said the community’s support for Mutfwang was based on his performance rather than political affiliation.

“We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him,” Okunonke said.

He added that the endorsement reflected the cordial relationship the governor had built with the Igbo community through genuine partnership and inclusiveness.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community to thrive in the state.

He urged members of the community to support the governor’s second-term bid while continuing to partner with the state government in creating employment and business opportunities for young people.

Earlier, High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised Mutfwang’s developmental projects across the state, describing his administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

The meeting also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.

Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, also lauded the governor for his inclusive leadership and support for the Igbo community, pledging continued cooperation with his administration.

The meeting ended with both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence, deeper collaboration and sustainable development across the state.

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Eight die, nine missing in Jigawa boat tragedy

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Twenty-three persons have been rescued, while eight bodies have been recovered from Sunday’s boat accident that claimed 40 passengers in Jigawa State.

The incident occurred at Malamawar-Yan Dutse in Ringim Local Government Area, where a wooden boat conveying about 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, capsized while crossing a waterway.

Boat accidents have remained a recurring tragedy in riverine communities across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, often attributed to overloading, failure to use life jackets and strong water currents.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the latest casualty figure to The PUNCH on Monday.

He said search and rescue operations continued for the remaining nine passengers.

“At the moment, we have successfully rescued 23 victims alive. Unfortunately, we have also recovered eight corpses from the river,” Adam said.

He explained that local divers, emergency responders and security personnel had been at the scene since the incident occurred to rescue survivors and recover bodies.

According to him, all the rescued victims received medical attention and were subsequently discharged.

“Those rescued are now safe at their homes as they were discharged to reunite with their families,” he said.

Adam added that the search for the remaining nine passengers would continue on Tuesday.

“We are not relenting. Our teams are combing the river and adjoining communities to ensure we find the remaining nine persons,” he said.

He appealed to residents of riverine communities to assist security agencies with useful information that could aid the rescue operation.

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The police spokesman also urged boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure that all passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey.

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Northern Christians query N1.9bn church share in N8bn religious budget

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The Northern Christian Association has asked the Federal Government to explain what it described as a wide disparity in the allocation of about N8.05bn for church and mosque projects in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the imbalance raises concerns over equity and equal treatment of citizens.

The association said it was not opposed to government support for religious projects but insisted that such interventions must be guided by the constitutional principles of fairness, transparency and justice.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Rev Joseph Hayab, the NCA said reports indicated that about N1.91bn was earmarked for seven church-related projects, while approximately N6.14bn was allocated to 52 mosque-related projects in the 2026 budget.

According to the association, the disparity had reinforced concerns among many Christians over what it described as a persistent pattern of unequal treatment and selective implementation of government policies.

Hayab said, “How long will Nigerians continue to read stories that expose the hypocrisy of our leaders?

“The partiality, lack of equity and unequal treatment of citizens by government and political leaders are among the major factors responsible for division, distrust, segregation and the absence of genuine unity and love among Nigerians.”

He added that while Christians had continued to exercise restraint in the interest of national peace and unity, successive governments had often mistaken such patience for weakness.

The NCA argued that Nigerians had repeatedly witnessed actions exposing inconsistencies in governance, warning that perceived discrimination and double standards were eroding public trust and national cohesion.

“Our constitution recognises every Nigerian as equal before the law, while the teachings of all religions discourage unfair treatment of children, women, family members and fellow human beings.

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“Government should, therefore, not be seen to promote policies that suggest preferential treatment for one religious group over another,” Hayab said.

The association stressed that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to Islam, Christianity or government collaboration with faith-based organisations, but rather as a call for fairness in the distribution of public resources.

It maintained that if public funds were to be allocated for religious projects, such allocations should be transparent, balanced and devoid of any perception that one faith enjoyed greater recognition than another.

“NCA is challenging the Federal Government to explain these abnormalities. Government should not establish a system that creates division among citizens or gives the impression that one religious community is more important than another.

“Instead, it should initiate programmes and policies that unite Nigerians and strengthen our collective national identity,” the statement added.

The association further urged the Federal Government to review the allocations in line with the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and equal treatment, insisting that budgetary decisions should promote national unity and strengthen public confidence in the impartiality of government.

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