Big Brother Naija winner Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has marked the fourth anniversary of her reality television victory after securing another milestone in the boxing ring.
Phyna won the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, Level Up, on October 2, 2022. Exactly four years later, she celebrated the anniversary after defeating Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing in a celebrity boxing bout.
The fight took place on Thursday during Balmoral Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring event at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Reflecting on both achievements, Phyna described October 2 as a significant date in her life, noting that it now represents both her BBNaija victory and her latest achievement in boxing.
She said her move from reality television into boxing was driven by her desire to test herself, challenge expectations and explore opportunities beyond entertainment.
Phyna also dedicated the achievement to women who have been told they cannot accomplish certain things, while thanking Balmoral Promotions and Bet9ja for giving her the opportunity to participate in the event.
She received ₦50 million for winning the bout and indicated that she is interested in pursuing professional boxing.
Following her victory, Phyna called out Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia as a possible future opponent, alleging that the actress had repeatedly contacted her through direct messages.
Etinosa, who watched the contest from ringside, accepted the challenge and said she was ready for the proposed fight.
Phyna’s bout was part of a celebrity boxing event that also featured skit maker Carter Efe against musician Speed Darlington.
The event further included a professional boxing contest in which Ghanaian fighter Seth “Freezy Macbones” Gyimah defeated Nigerian boxer Godday “Zodsolo” Appah by unanimous decision to win the WBO African Light Heavyweight Continental Championship.
