Nkechi Blessing Returns to Nollywood After Phyna Celebrity Boxing Defeat

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has signalled her intention to return her attention to filmmaking after making her celebrity boxing debut against reality television star Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, in Lagos.

The actress made the remarks following the celebrity boxing contest as part of Balmoral Promotions’ “Chaos in the Ring” event at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The bout, which was staged as part of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, ended in the fourth round after Phyna secured a knockout victory over Nkechi Blessing. The contest was billed as a four-round celebrity boxing encounter and became one of the major attractions of the event.

Following the outcome, Nkechi Blessing addressed the result in a post shared on Instagram. While acknowledging the contest, she maintained a defiant tone and described herself as a champion regardless of the official result.

The actress also disclosed that she had trained for only two days before the bout and thanked her coach for the preparation.

“Now let’s go back to making movies cus I no be boxer,” she wrote, signalling that her primary professional focus remains acting and filmmaking.

The celebrity boxing contest followed a public disagreement between the actress and Phyna that had unfolded across social media. Their dispute reportedly escalated from a disagreement connected to a movie-related matter before eventually moving from online exchanges into a formal celebrity boxing event.

The encounter also represented a notable moment for Balmoral Promotions’ “Chaos in the Ring” series, which has previously featured Nigerian entertainers in celebrity boxing contests. The October 1 event included other entertainment personalities, with Carter Efe also securing a fourth-round victory over Speed Darlington.

Phyna’s victory over Nkechi Blessing came with significant recognition and prizes. Reports following the event said the reality television star received a new car and a ceremonial ₦50 million cheque after her victory.

For Nkechi Blessing, however, the aftermath of the contest appears to be centred on returning to the entertainment industry where she has built her career. The actress has been active in Nollywood for years as an actor and filmmaker, with credits including Omoge Lekki, The Ghost and the Tout, Fate of Alakada, Tanwa Savage and other productions.

Her decision to return to movie production and acting also places the boxing appearance in the wider context of Nigeria’s growing celebrity entertainment industry, where entertainers increasingly participate in crossover events involving sport, television and social media.

While the boxing contest generated substantial public attention, the actress’s latest comments indicate that she views the experience as a temporary departure from her principal career rather than a permanent move into professional boxing.

The Phyna-Nkechi Blessing contest therefore closes one chapter of their highly publicised rivalry while leaving the actress looking towards her established career in Nollywood.

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday says she is returning to making movies after her celebrity boxing debut against Phyna ended in a fourth-round knockout.