Entertainment
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, had the crowd cheering 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.
SportyTV has been added to select DStv and GOtv packages in Nigeria, expanding the sports content available to subscribers. The 24-hour sports channel offers a range of live sporting events alongside news, analyses, highlights and is available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli customers. The channel is also available on GOtv in Kenya and Ghana.The addition of SportyTV complements the existing sports offering on DStv and GOtv, providing subscribers with access to additional football, basketball and combat sports content.“SportyTV is a valuable addition to the DStv Access and GOtv Value content offering across Africa,” said David Mignot, CEO of CANAL+ Africa. “It expands the range of sporting events available to customers at an accessible price point and reflects our commitment to making quality sports content available to audiences across the continent.”Sudeep Ramnani, Founder and CEO of Sporty Group, said: “Our ambition has always been to provide African audiences with broad access to sports content and storytelling. Through this partnership with CANAL+, we are extending that offering to more households across the continent.”“The SportyTV channel gives DStv and GOtv subscribers additional viewing options that complement SuperSport’s existing range of sports programming,” said Rendani Ramovha, Director of Sport Content for English and Portuguese-speaking Africa at CANAL+. “It broadens the overall sports proposition with additional live events and supporting content.”SportyTV’s football schedule includes competitions such as the English Premier League, Carabao Cup, EFL Championship, Women’s FA Cup, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and the Spanish Super Cup. The channel also carries South American competitions including the Copa Libertadores, Argentina League and Brazil Serie A, as well as select basketball and other international sports content.Elias Gallego, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Media at Sporty Group, said: “Launching SportyTV on DStv and GOtv allows us to extend our reach and bring a broader range of sports content to viewers across Africa.”SportyTV will also carry dedicated club channels including Real Madrid TV, Arsenal TV, Chelsea TV and Manchester City TV. Additional content includes coverage from leagues in Greece and Saudi Arabia, alongside basketball programming featuring the NBA.The channel launched on 10 June 2026 and is available in HD on DStv channel 236 and GOtv channel 58 in Nigeria.
For Gen Z, entertainment has become social, interactive, and deeply tied to culture. A good show doesn’t end when the credits roll; it lives on through memes, group chats, reaction videos, and trending conversations online. The same goes for music, reality TV, and increasingly, live events that bring people together in real time.This generation doesn’t simply consume content. They participate in it. They want moments worth sharing, stories worth discussing, and experiences that make them feel part of something bigger.This is what entertainment looks like for Gen Z, it’s no longer just about watching, it’s about participating. And nowhere is this more obvious than during the FIFA World Cup.For previous generations, football was largely a one-screen experience. You sat in front of the television, watched the match, and discussed it later. Gen Z does things differently. They’re watching the game while texting friends, checking player stats, posting reactions on X, and scrolling through TikTok for instant highlights all at the same time. The match itself is only part of the experience.The real entertainment lies in the shared moments: predicting scores in group chats, celebrating last-minute winners, debating refereeing decisions, and creating memes before the post-match analysis even begins.That is why live sports continue to hold such power in today’s entertainment landscape. In an era where almost everything can be watched on demand, live football remains one of the few experiences people still want to consume in real time. Nobody wants to be the last person to know a goal has been scored.The World Cup, in particular, has evolved into more than a sporting event; it is now a global cultural moment. Fans aren’t simply supporting teams, they’re joining conversations, participating in trends, and sharing experiences with millions of people around the world.Convenience matters too. Gen Z expects entertainment to fit seamlessly into their lifestyle. Whether they’re watching from home, catching a match on the go, or switching between devices, flexibility is now part of the viewing experience. This is why platforms like DStv and GOtv continue to remain relevant during major tournaments, with SuperSport’s live coverage making it easier for fans to stay connected to the action wherever they are.But beyond convenience, Gen Z wants one thing above all else: moments. The unexpected upset. The breakout star. The last-minute winner. The scenes that dominate timelines and become part of internet culture. Because for Gen Z, entertainment isn’t measured by what they watch, it’s measured by what they experience and few experiences deliver that quite like the World Cup.To make football’s biggest moment even more accessible, MultiChoice has introduced special World Cup bundle offers across DStv and GOtv ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. From June 1, 2026, new customers can get a full decoder kit plus a one-month subscription for ₦15,000 on either platform. The offer is aimed at helping more Nigerians stay connected to the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Through SuperSport, viewers will enjoy full live coverage of all games, dedicated 24-hour World Cup channels, expert analysis, highlights, multilingual commentary including pidgin, and flexible viewing options on TV and streaming so fans don’t miss any moment of the action.
What happens when a woman who has built her entire identity on control suddenly wakes up with none of it? In Little, Jordan Sanders, a powerful tech mogul known for her strict and unapologetic leadership style, finds herself trapped in the body of her teenage self right before a career-defining moment. Forced to relive life from a completely different perspective, she has to navigate school, friendships, and adulthood pressures all at once, while trying to fix a life that is quickly slipping out of her control. To catch Little, tune in on Movie Room Africa on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:40 AM.Stories like this are part of what makes this week’s viewing lineup worth tuning into.Across DStv and GOtv, a fresh mix of titles is currently airing, bringing together drama, romance, comedy, action, and suspense for every kind of viewer. From emotional family conflicts and psychological twists to superhero adventures and light-hearted rom-coms, there’s something new every day for viewers looking to unwind with a good story.If you’re looking for something fresh to watch, here are the movies you can catch this week.The Other Oneimage.pngWhat begins as a desperate attempt to survive soon takes a disturbing turn in this psychological thriller. After being kidnapped, a woman devises an unusual escape plan: gaining her captor’s trust by pretending to care for him. But as the lines between manipulation and genuine emotion begin to blur, both find themselves trapped in a dangerous relationship neither can control.Showing on Africa Magic Showcase on Tuesday, June 16 at 3:30 PM.Spider-Man: Homecomingimage.pngBeing a superhero is no easy task, especially when you’re still trying to survive high school. Peter Parker must balance everyday teenage life with the responsibilities that come with being Spider-Man as he faces off against Adrian Toomes, also known as The Vulture, whose dangerous weapons operation threatens countless lives.Showing on Movie Room Africa on Friday, June 19 at 8:00 PM.Shazam!image.pngLife changes in an instant for a troubled teenager when a mysterious wizard grants him extraordinary powers. But while being a superhero sounds exciting, he soon learns that great abilities come with even greater responsibilities. As he struggles to balance his newfound identity, a dangerous enemy emerges, threatening not just him but everyone around him.Showing on Studio Universal on Saturday, June 20 at 5:00 PM.Asoebi Mamasimage.pngFamily tensions take centre stage in this drama about privilege, resentment and responsibility. Ajoke enjoys a lavish lifestyle while paying little attention to the hardworking stepdaughters under her roof. But when long-standing grievances begin to surface, her actions threaten to upend the family’s fragile balance.Showing on Africa Magic Family on Friday, June 19 at 10:00 AM.Whether you’re planning a quiet evening indoors or simply looking for something new to watch, these titles offer the perfect excuse to settle in and press play.To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
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