Reality TV star Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, marked the fourth anniversary of her Big Brother Naija victory following her win in Nigeria’s inaugural female celebrity boxing match.
Phyna won the seventh season (Level Up) of Big Brother Naija on October 2, 2022. Celebrating the milestone four years later, shortly after securing a knockout victory against Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing, she reflected on the dual milestones in a social media update on Friday, noting that October 2 “will forever remain a meaningful date” in her life.
“Today marks the anniversary of the day I won BBN, and now, years later, I’m celebrating another historic victory becoming the first female boxer to step into this ring and win this fight.”
The victory took place Thursday during the “Chaos in the Ring” event, organized by Balmoral Promotions at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.
Addressing her transition from reality television to professional combat sports, the former Big Brother Naija winner stated that her shift into boxing was driven by a determination to test her limits and overcome personal challenges.
“From reality TV to the boxing ring, I’ve always been willing to challenge myself, break barriers, and prove that there is so much more to Phyna than what people see,” she wrote.
“This one is for every woman who has ever been told she couldn’t. We can. We will. And we absolutely should.”
Phyna challenges Etinosa
Phyna expressed gratitude to event organizers Balmoral Promotions and corporate sponsor Bet9ja for the opportunity, characterizing October 2 as “a date of success, courage, and fresh beginnings.”
Along with making history in the ring, the former reality star received a ₦50 million cash prize for her victory. She subsequently announced plans to pursue a professional boxing career, signaling that her defeat of Nkechi Blessing serves as the starting point for a broader athletic pursuit.
Following the fight, Phyna targeted Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia as a potential next opponent, alleging that the actress had been harassing her via direct messages.
“I came in, and I kept my cool and did the thing. Now I would like to fight Etinosa. I think it is time I teach her a lesson,” Phyna said after the bout.
Read Also: Carter Efe defeats Portable in celebrity boxing clash, wins N50m prize [VIDEO]
