Iwobi hopes to silence Eagles critics

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January 17, 2024

Alex Iwobi aims for Africa Cup of Nations triumph with Nigeria despite challenging start

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi concedes that securing a victory against Ivory Coast on Thursday night is for silencing critics following Nigeria’s underwhelming performance in the Africa Cup, Oscar Sanders reports for Planet Sport.

The Super Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, a side 46 places below them in FIFA’s global rankings, and next face a tough test in Group A challengers and AFCON hosts Ivory Coast.

Sunday’s stalemate left some speculating whether or not Nigeria, among the tournament favourites, have what it takes to advance in the tournament, with fears they could face an early exit without swift improvement.

Iwobi told Nigerian media: “We’re excited. We thought we should have won. We know it’s not going to be easy but we’ll analyze the team and see what we can do.

“The only way to correct that impression is if we win. As long as you win, all of a sudden you’re giving your best. That’s the only way to keep the critics quiet.

“I always enjoy playing for the national team. To win (AFCON) would be my biggest dream, so hopefully that is something I can achieve.”

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen shone brightest for Nigeria in their opener, closely followed by Alhassan Yusuf, who was forced off in the second half.

Super Eagles boss Jose Peserio told Nigerian media the midfielder would miss the Ivory Coast encounter, but could still return to face Guinea-Bissau for their final group stage encounter.

Ivory Coast enter the contest bolstered by a 2-0 triumph against Guinea-Bissau, and head coach Jean-Louis Gasset is preparing for CAF African footballer of the year Osimhen to cause problems once again.

He told a press conference: “We know the strengths of Nigeria, they have an impressive offensive armada.

“They have the best African player in their squad, but against them, we will have to raise our game, and I know my players will do it because I know you have to win that first game to be released.”

Gift Orban to Olympique Lyonnais

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January 17, 2024

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Promising Nigerian striker Gift Orban arrives at OL

After the Belgian Malick Fofana, OL is about to welcome another promising striker from the Gantoise, Nigerian Gift Orban (21). Photo Olivier Matthys/EPA/MAXPPP

According to The Progres Fr, after Malick Fofana last week, a new striker from La Gantoise, the Nigerian Gift Orban (21), who has 32 goals in 51 matches with the Belgian club, will join OL.

The information revealed by L’Équipe is confirmed according to our information. This player with a bright future had caught the eye of Lyon recruiters and several European clubs since a rather sensational debut at La Gantoise at the end of the 2022-2023 winter transfer window from Stabaek (Norway).

Orban (1.78 m), who wore the colors of Nigeria in the U23 team, can play in all three offensive positions and should strengthen the Lyon attack, which depends on Alexandre Lacazette. He undoubtedly played his last match on Tuesday evening with the Belgian club, beaten at home by Bruges (0-1).

A transfer estimated at €13 million

Arriving from Nigeria at 19 to sign for the Norwegian D2, he quickly made a name for himself with his sense of goal (19 goals in 24 appearances in Norway). Then, upon arriving in Belgium, he scored a double in his first match. He also made an impression with this hat-trick scored in just over three minutes on the pitch at Istanbul Basaksehir (4-1), which propelled La Gantoise to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League on March 16, 2023.

OL could formalize his signing this Wednesday evening or Thursday morning if his medical examination goes smoothly. The transfer is estimated at €13 million.

Cote d’Ivoire vs Nigeria: What Okocha thinks

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January 17, 2024

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Cote d’Ivoire vs Nigeria: What Okocha thinks

Interview: This is the match that the world is waiting for – Jay-Jay Okocha

This is the match that the world is waiting for in the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. The Elephants take on the Super Eagles on Thursday, 18 January, in their second Group A match.

This is the match that the world is waiting for in the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The Elephants take on the Super Eagles on Thursday, 18 January, in their second Group A match.

Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening clash, while Cote d’Ivoire triumphed to a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.

CAFOnline had an exclusive sit down with African football icon Jay-Jay Okocha to get his thoughts ahead of the clash.

Nigeria plays its second TotalEnergies CAF AFCON match on Thursday against hosts, Cote d’Ivoire. Should we expect a difficult match for the Super Eagles?

Absolutely! Every match is difficult, but when you play the host country, it is even more difficult. But, of course, the beauty of football is that if you want to be champions, you have to win against the best. And as we know, in football, every match is difficult. If you are well prepared, you can win your match. But we Nigerians know that it will be a difficult match, but we also believe we have enough potential to win this match.

What do you think will be the key to winning this meeting?

The key will be experience, desire, and state of mind. They are professionals, and they know the importance of this match; I think their mindset will be the key.

Nigeria surrendered a lead to draw against Equatorial Guinea. What did you make of this match?

I think we didn’t play badly, as many people say. There were a lot of positive things that were seen in the match. The only problem is that we didn’t take our opportunities. We created many chances, which is a positive aspect for me. That’s the sign of a good team. It looks like two points lost because we were favorites, but we know how difficult it is to win a match. This is also a good thing because they now know they are not perfect and need to improve certain things.

Nigeria expects a lot from its striker and star, Victor Osimhen. As a legend of the Nigerian selection who carried this team for a good period, what would it take for him to meet the expectations placed on him?

We know that Victor Osimhen is a world-class goalscorer and a very great player. He needs his team’s services, and I believe he got them in this first match. It’s not all the time that we see him miss clear opportunities. I think he is eager to correct his mistakes, and with him, we have hope and believe in him because we know he can shine in any competition.

Nigeria’s last meeting with Cote d’Ivoire was a loss back in 2015. Does this play a factor?

It’s not just Cote d’Ivoire. Every match today is difficult. The gap has narrowed, and we don’t have to rely much on history. What interests us is the current Côte d’Ivoire that we will play on Thursday. If you look at our two teams, you will see that the difference is insignificant. It will be a good match.

You are a legend of African football and the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. We still remember your fabulous goal in the final of the 2000 edition against Cameroon at home, and you won the competition in 1994. What does the tournament represent for an African footballer?

It’s very important for an African footballer because nothing is more beautiful than knowing that you are an African champion and the best team in Africa. So, for us, as Africans, it is priceless to win or participate in the AFCON.

Who do you think is the favorite in this competition?

Naturally, my favorite is Nigeria (laughing). Come on, we’ll wait and see.

What do you think of the title holders, Senegal or Morocco, who were semi-finalists of the last World Cup?

Without a doubt, we have many teams that we can say have what it takes to win. As you said, Senegal, I was at their game yesterday, and they performed well. Morocco, we know they were impressive at the World Cup, and we expect them to do well. But at the same time, when you look at teams like Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, you can’t neglect them, they showed how difficult the AFCON has become. You can no longer consider a team as underdogs. Of course, there is also the organizing country, Cote d’Ivoire.

With many supporters behind them, they will be a difficult team to play against in this tournament. So, it would be very early to name the favorite.

Egypt vs Ghana | Cape Verde vs Mozambique

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January 17, 2024

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Egypt vs Ghana | Cape Verde vs Mozambique

Pre-Match Facts & Figures

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group B action resumes on Thursday, 18 January, in Abidjan with another round of exciting fixtures.

Egypt takes on Ghana, while Cape Verde face Mozambique in the later kickoff. CAFOnline looks at some interesting facts and figures ahead of the two matches.

Egypt vs Ghana

This will be the fifth encounter between Egypt and Ghana at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They have met three times in the group stages (one win each, one draw, and two goals each) and once in the final, which Egypt won in 2010 (1-0).

Egypt has won their last two matches against Ghana at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (1-0 in the 2010 final and 1-0 in the 2017 group stages).

The four previous matches between Egypt and Ghana at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations have produced only five goals.

Egypt have lost just one of their last 20 CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage matches (W14 D5), a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in 2022. Following their 2-2 draw with Mozambique on MD1, the Pharaohs will be looking to avoid failing to win either of their first two group games in a tournament since doing so in 1992, which included defeat to Ghana on MD2.

Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cabo Verbe on MD1 of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars haven’t lost their first two matches in a tournament since 1984, losing to Nigeria and Algeria.

Egypt shipped two goals in their 2-2 draw with Mozambique on MD1 of this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations, having only shipped two goals in a game in one of their previous 28 matches at the tournament, losing 2-1 to Cameroon in the 2017 final. They also conceded with both of the shots on target they faced against.

With 25% of their touches in the opposition box, Mozambique achieved a goal (2/8).

Ghana was winless in their last five matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (D2 L3), their longest-ever winless run. They have lost their previous two games (2-3 vs Comoros in 2022, 1-2 vs Cabo Verde on MD1 this year), never before losing three in a row at AFCON.

Four of Ghana’s last five goals at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations have come via a set piece (three corners, one free kick), with the previous two both scored by defender Alexander Djiku. The last Ghana player to achieve three consecutive goals at AFCON was Mubarak Wakaso in 2013.

Mohammed Salah’s first goal for Egypt at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations came against Ghana in 2017 (1-0). He scored in his last two appearances against the Black Stars: in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2016 and at the 2017 AFCON.

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah has scored seven goals in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the Pharaohs, now behind only Hassan El-Shazly (12), Hossam Hassan (11), and Ahmed Hassan (8) in the list of leading Egyptian scorers in the competition. He also became the first Egyptian player to score at four AFCON tournaments (2017, 2019, 2022, 2023), thanks to his late penalty against Mozambique on MD1.

Cape Verde vs Mozambique

This will be the first encounter between Cabo Verde and Mozambique at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Cabo Verde is unbeaten in their last three matches against Mozambique (W2 D1). They all came in qualifiers for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Cabo Verde registered their third-ever win at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (D6 L3), with their last two wins coming on MD1 (1-0 vs Ethiopia in 2022). They have never won consecutive games at AFCON before.

Mozambique remains winless at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 13 attempts (D3 L10), although in their 2-2 draw with Egypt, they went ahead in a match (2-1 up) for just the second time, also doing so in 1996 against Tunisia (1-0 up, drew 1-1).

Cabo Verde has only lost one of 10 CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage matches (W3 D6), although that one defeat did come on MD2 of the 2022 tournament, losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso.

Mozambique has yet to keep a clean sheet at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 13 attempts, conceding 28 goals and shipping at least twice in 12 games. Only Zimbabwe (15 games) ever played more matches at AFCON without at least one shutout.

Two of Cabo Verde’s three winning goals at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations have been scored in the 90^th minute,

with Héldon scoring against Angola in 2013 and Garry Rodrigues against Ghana this year. The other was netted in first-half stoppage time in 2022 by Júlio Tavares vs Ethiopia.

Cabo Verde had 15 shots in their 2-1 win over Ghana on MD1 of this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations, more than they’d managed in their previous three games combined (13). It was the most they’d attempted in an AFCON game since January 2015 vs Congo DR (also 15).

All six of Mozambique’s goals at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations have been scored by different players – four of those six have been achieved between the 54^th and 58^th minutes, including both in their 2-2 draw against Egypt on MD1 this year (Witi in 55^th minute, Clésio in 58^th).

Garry Rodrigues has two goals at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations for Cabo Verde, scoring both as a substitute. In those two sub appearances, he’s had more shots on target (3) than he’s managed in the four AFCON games he’s started (1).

AFCON 2023 Group F: DR Congo and Zambia

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January 17, 2024

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Unpredictable duel at San Pedro’s Laurent Pokou Stadium

The opening Group F fixture of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 officially kicks off at San Pedro’s Laurent Pokou Stadium between DR Congo and Zambia this afternoon.

On the one side is DR Congo, who won two titles back in 1968 and 1974, while on the opposite end are the 2012 champions, Zambia, who lifted the title against this year’s hosts while led by French tactician Herve Renard.

Since then, Chipolopolo has stammered in its continental ambitions. After their 2012 success, they were booted out in the group stages of the 2013 and 2015 editions and are only returning now in Cote d’Ivoire.

Zambia will look to the talent that emerged in their TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON squad, which included the likes of Patson Daka, who has grown into a vital member of the senior team.

This was when captains had to say ahead of this clash.

Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo coach

“The players are focused on the objectives. The first match of a tournament is important but not decisive. We go there with the ambition to continue what we have undertaken for a year and a half. We are underdogs, but we want to play good matches. We will face Zambia, who have excellent qualities, especially offensively. The players are ready to defend the colors of the country.”

Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo captain

“It’s my 5th AFCON, and this is an opportunity to share my Experience with other players. But Experience must also be shown on the ground. Zambia has a great team, especially its attack. We watched the videos, and we are working on our own. We will defend our flag facing any player.”

Avram Grant, Zambia coach

“The AFCON is an essential competition in Africa. We take everything seriously. This is how we will tackle our first match. We have a good team, and the opponent is also good. Preparations went well, and we arrived here to continue working hard.

There are teams better than us, but we are at the same level as DR Congo. Everyone wants to win the AFCON, but only one country will win. We want to play football and give our best on the pitch.”

Lubambo Musonda, captain Zambia

“We want to start the competition well. In 2012, we won when we were not expected to win, and that is football. You have to play, be ambitious, and take the matches individually. Afterward, we will see if we can reproduce what our elders did in 2012.

We weren’t there in the last editions, and that hurt us. Today, we are here. We want to enjoy and have no regrets. Many teammates are here for the first time but are motivated to give everything. We have the right state of mind.”

AFCON 2023 PHOTOS OF THE DAY

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January 16, 2024

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The best pictures of Matchday 4 of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON

Another round of action-packed encounters occurred in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 on Tuesday, 16 January.

CAFOnline has selected the Top images of the day.

‘Victory over Tunisia is extra special’

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January 16, 2024

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We were never really given a chance – Collin Benjamin

Following their historic TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 1-0 victory over Tunisia, the head coach of Namibia says the

Following their historic TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 1-0 victory over Tunisia, the head coach of Namibia says the victory over the 2004 champions was extra special as no one gave them a chance.

It’s an ecstatic feeling that I can’t describe. I am proud to be Namibian and be a coach of these players. We were never really given a chance. We are just happy that we could go on the field and play a good match and win. I can only imagine what is happening in the streets of Namibia right now. This victory is dedicated to them.

The former national team captain also cautioned that there was still a lot of work to be done and that tomorrow would be a completely new day.

“Tonight, of course, we celebrate, but it is back to normal tomorrow. Back to grinding and working hard as a team and for our people back home,” concluded Benjamin.

Namibia temporarily goes to Group E’s top before their next match against Mali on Wednesday, 24 January.

Namibian heroes stun mighty Tunisia

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January 16, 2024

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Brave Warriors deliver the most AFCON 2023 thunderbolt shocking win so far

Namibia produced one of the all-time TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations shocks by defeating 2004 champions Tunisia 1-0 in Tuesday’s Group E opener.

Both sides lacked sharpness in a cagey first half of a few chances before Brave Warriors’ late thunderbolt stole the points.

The Carthage Eagles dominated possession but struggled to penetrate a resolute Namibian backline marshaled by Ivan Kamberipa.

Captain Youssef Msakni tested Lloyd Kazapua with a curled effort, but the Tunisians grew frustrated as the game continued.

Yet, while the Brave Warriors lacked an attacking spark, their tireless industry and organization kept a star-studded Tunisia at bay.

As a famous upset loomed ever more significant, the minnows delivered a hammer blow in the 89th minute.

Deon Hotto latched onto a long ball over the top and outpaced the defense before coolly slotting past Bechir Ben Said.

The Orlando Pirates winger thought he had doubled the lead when the offside flag denied him another historic strike.

But one goal proved enough as Namibia’s warriors held on for the clean sheet to claim a monumental three points.

Few observers gave the southern underdogs hope before the tournament began, but now sides will give them serious attention thanks to the massive shock on Tuesday.

But this shock victory over one of Africa’s giants has given them a good chance of progressing from Group E.

Namibia tops Group E with 3 points as South Africa prepares to play Mali in the group’s other game.

The Carthage will have to recover against Mali on January 20, while Namibia come up against regional foes South Africa on January 21.

Post Match facts

Namibia won its first game in its Africa Cup of Nations history, playing its 10th game in the competition (D2 L7).

Tunisia have failed to score in six of their last eight Africa Cup of Nations games, as many as in their previous 24 games.

Tunisia have failed to win their last five opening games in the Africa Cup of Nations, after already doing so for seven AFCONs in a row between 1978 and 2002; Tunisia is the only team to have two five-game winless streaks in AFCON opening games.

Tunisia have conceded two of their last three goals in the Africa Cup of Nations after the 87th minute; the first one happened against Gambia last AFCON and also meant a last-minute defeat in the Group phase.

Namibia have kept the first clean sheet in their Africa Cup of Nations history after conceding an average of 2.66 goals per game in their nine previous games in the competition.

Taha Khenissi is the first Tunisian player to be subbed off after playing less than 15 minutes in an Africa Cup of Nations game, since Opta collected this data (2010).

Peter Shalulile (Namibia) has shot six times, including three times on target: these are two all-time best for a Namibian player in an Africa Cup of Nations game since Opta collects this data (2010). Moreover, Shalulile recorded 1,15 Expected Goals, more than the Tunisian team (0,69).

Cameroon’s Nganou vows Joshua beat-down

Boxing/MMA

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January 15, 2024

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‘If Joshua Takes The Punch That Dropped Fury, He May Not Get Up!’

As Boxing Scene reports, MMA veteran Francis Ngannou believes he has enough skill and punching power to knock Anthony Joshua out.

Ngannou, in only his second fight in professional boxing, will face the former two-time world champion on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In October last year, Ngannou made his pro debut in a non-title fight against WBC world champion Tyson Fury.

In a performance that no expert had expected, Ngannou dropped Fury in the third round and then fought him in a competitive fight for the remainder of the contest. Fury was able to come away with a close ten-round split decision win.

“The day is set,” Ngannou told MMA Fighting. “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they will have easy money, too bad for them. If AJ takes Fury’s punch, I don’t guarantee that he’s [getting back] up. I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”

Last year, Joshua stayed very active and saw action three times.

On December 23, he battered and stopped top contender Otto Wallin in five rounds.

Most observers considered Joshua’s victory one of his best performances in several years.

Ngannou praised him for the win, but he believes the British star is still the same boxer who suffered three defeats in the ring.

“I think he’s still the same fighter,” Ngannou said. “Being the same fighter doesn’t mean you can’t lose. He lost to Andy Ruiz. He lost to Oleksandr Usyk, and he can still lose. By the way, I intend to hand him a loss on March 8. You can still be who you are but still lose. Nobody is undefeated.”

Eddie Hearn: “I Truly Believe Anthony Joshua Will Become Undisputed”

Eddie Hearn has always been incredibly confident in Anthony Joshua. But, following a rough stretch in 2022, the longtime promoter admitted that Joshua needed to start from the ground up, Hans Themistode reports for the Boxing scene.

Being near the bottom of the heavyweight ladder, devoid of a title, was Joshua’s worst nightmare. However, he placed his head down, bit down on his mouthpiece, and began putting in the work.

Initially, Joshua didn’t look quite as sharp against Jermaine Franklin despite picking up the win. The same could be said for his victory over Robert Helenius a few months later. But while most were convinced that Joshua’s best days were behind him, the 34-year-old wasn’t buying it.

In his most recent outing against Otto Wallin, Joshua told all who would listen that he would prove that he was back to his usual self. Plenty, though, including Hearn, was skeptical. With that said, after blowing Wallin out of the water, Hearn not only believes that his man is in form, but he has a strong feeling that he’ll aggregate every significant world title sooner rather than later.

“I truly believe Anthony Joshua will become undisputed heavyweight champion,” Hearn told Ariel Helwani.

On February 17, Hearn plans to open a bag of popcorn, grab a ringside seat, and watch Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk battle it out for all heavyweight marbles. Hearn doesn’t care who wins, but if he had to guess, he’s on Fury’s side.

If his fellow Brit takes care of business against Usyk and moves onto a showdown with Joshua, Hearn likes Joshua’s chances. The biggest reason for Hearn backing the former champ, nevertheless, is a simple one.

Just a few months ago, Fury was expected to make it look easy against Francis Ngannou, a former UFC champion making his debut. Fury, though, looked awful when he won. That performance and Joshua’s recent performance have Hearn floating on cloud nine.

Typically, Hearn is the one who stops and answers questions presented to him by media members and fans. This time around, he had something that he wanted to ask.

“Off the back of AJ vs Otto Wallin and Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou – you’re telling me you don’t fancy AJ against Fury?”

Joshua, Ngannou Face To Face

Boxing/MMA

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January 15, 2024

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At Kickoff Presser

‘Knockout Chaos’ is headlined by former unified World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua in a mouth-watering matchup against MMA superstar and now Heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou on Friday, 8 March, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Boxing Photos reports.

joshua-ngannou-21112

The event is being delivered to fans worldwide by The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Goldstar Promotions, and GIMIK Fight Promotions.

joshua-ngannou-2

Previously the WBA, IBF, IBO, and WBO World Champion, Joshua completed a busy and successful year on 23 December 2023 when he defeated Otto Wallin in five rounds in a headline attraction on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh, a fight which marked his return to the elite end of the Heavyweight rankings.

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Ngannou entered the boxing world when he competed in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ against WBC World Champion Tyson Fury, which opened Riyadh Season on 28 October 2023. The fight boomed into life towards the end of the third round when Ngannou landed a left hook to the temple of Fury’s head, and the champion was put to the canvas.