Nigerian street-pop singer Portable has claimed he received ₦40 million from organisers of a proposed celebrity boxing match against comedian and singer Carter Efe.
Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, made the claim in a post on Instagram, saying the payment was made simply for agreeing to the bout.
“I have collected N40 million from the organisers of the match to beat Carter Efe. They gave me the money just for agreeing to the fight. It is certain that I will beat him,” he said.
He also alleged that businessman E-Money and music producer Soso Soberekon had each promised him ₦50 million and, in E-Money’s case, a car, if he wins the match.
“E-Money and Soso Soberekon have also said they will give me N50 million each if I win the match, along with a car from E-Money,” he added.
Portable had earlier suggested that he considered an initial offer for the bout too low and would only participate if the financial terms were improved.
There has been no formal confirmation from the organisers or independent verification of the payments. A date for the proposed fight has also not been announced.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some users criticised the proposed match as a distraction from more pressing national issues, others described it as a smart business move.
One user, @JoyceOscar3, wrote: “This is exactly the kind of distraction we don’t need… Chasing clout with money and gifts while our nation faces serious challenges is reckless.”
Another, @Pal_Acad, said: “Portable is definitely turning this fight into a massive payday… This showdown with Carter Efe is more about the cash than the boxing.”
This isn’t Portable’s first time trading mic stands for boxing gloves. In April 2025, he defeated his colleague Speed Darlington in a celebrity boxing match.
He also secured wins against actor Charles Okocha in December 2023 and Kelvin Power, bodyguard to singer Kizz Daniel, in February 2024.
In December 2023, he overcame Okocha, and in February 2024, he triumphed over Kelvin Power, the bodyguard to award-winning singer Kizz Daniel.
