Teni challenges Tiwa Savage to celebrity boxing match, proposes ₦1.5bn prize

Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has challenged fellow music star Tiwa Savage to a celebrity boxing match, suggesting a possible ₦1.5 billion prize for the winner.

Teni made the challenge in a video that circulated on social media amid growing interest in celebrity boxing in Nigeria. The trend recently drew attention following the bout between Big Brother Naija winner Phyna and Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing.

In the video, Teni called out Tiwa Savage and playfully expressed confidence that she would win if the two singers entered the ring.

“Teni and Tiwa Savage next. Let’s start from there. I will beat you,” she said.

₦1.5bn prize suggestion

Teni suggested that the winner of the proposed contest should receive ₦1.5 billion. She jokingly linked the potential purse to the luxury lifestyle often associated with entertainers, asking whether the money would be enough to buy a Bugatti.

“If they pay us ₦1.5 billion, can I buy a Bugatti?” she asked.

Her remarks appeared humorous and provocative rather than an announcement of a formally arranged professional boxing match.

Tiwa Savage responds

Tiwa Savage did not reject the proposal. Instead, she replied directly with a short but pointed response:

“Pick a date.”

The response immediately heightened online interest in a possible showdown between the two singers.

However, no official date, venue, promoter, sponsorship arrangement, or prize agreement has been confirmed for a Teni–Tiwa Savage boxing match.

Celebrity boxing gains momentum

The exchange comes as celebrity boxing gains greater visibility in Nigeria. On October 1, Phyna reportedly defeated Nkechi Blessing by knockout in the fourth round at Balmoral Group Promotions’ Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos.

The event also featured a match involving content creator Carter Efe and musician Speed Darlington, adding to the entertainment appeal of the format.

Teni’s call-out appears to have emerged from this renewed public interest in celebrity boxing.

A potential high-profile matchup

A contest between Teni and Tiwa Savage would likely generate substantial attention if it moves beyond social-media banter.

Teni is known for hit songs such as Case, Askamaya, and Uyo Meyo, as well as her energetic personality and humorous online interactions. Tiwa Savage is one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised Afrobeats artists, with a long-standing profile across Africa and beyond.

For now, the exchange amounts to a public challenge and a willing response—not a confirmed event. But if promoters turn the conversation into an official fight, it could become one of the most high-profile female celebrity boxing matches in Nigeria.

The key question remains: what date will Teni pick?

Source: Gistreel's original report, with the challenge and Tiwa Savage's response independently reported by QED and other Nigerian outlets.