Awilla Boxing Promotion, a Nigerian boxing promotion company, is now facing a lawsuit after repeated delays and the eventual cancellation of a scheduled boxing event in September 2024.

The CEO of Bulkhead Global, Olanrewaju Yusuf, is demanding N3 million in damages and compensation through a pre-action notice issued by his legal representatives, Gravis Lex Practice.

The notice, dated October 24, 2024, seeks N2.5 million for expenses incurred by Yusuf, along with an additional N500,000 for “fraudulent misrepresentation.”

According to Yusuf, the situation began after signing a contract with an American partner of Awilla Boxing Promotion. “My client is Rilwan Lawal, a featherweight fighter. His (Awilla’s) partner from America sent us a contract, and we signed. I have put fighters in camp with coaches paying for their accommodation and feeding,” Yusuf explained.

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Originally planned for September 26, the event was then postponed to October 26, followed by another rescheduling to November 26. Three weeks before the final date, Yusuf discovered that no event center had been booked, sparking doubts that the fight would take place.

However, Williams Awila, CEO of Awilla Boxing Promotion, denied any contractual agreement with Bulkhead Global or Lawal. “I don’t have anything to do with Bulkhead Global or Lawal because I don’t have any contract with him,” Awila said.

Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), stated that the organization respects Yusuf’s legal right to pursue the matter but expressed hope for an amicable resolution.

The legal notice also demands a public apology in three Nigerian newspapers and a six-year suspension of Awilla Boxing Promotion’s license. This lawsuit comes just as Awilla Boxing Promotion announced the “President Belt Boxing Championship” for November 27, 2024, despite the ongoing dispute. Adding to the controversy, Jeffrey Maxwell, a former matchmaker for the company, recently resigned, citing “unprofessional activities” and advised boxers to “proceed with extreme caution” when dealing with the organization.

In an exhilarating UEFA Europa League clash, Galatasaray edged out Tottenham Hotspur with a 3-2 victory, a win that the Turkish club sees as more than just three points.

According to head coach Okan Buruk, the match was a statement for Turkish football as a whole.

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“Tonight, we didn’t just play for Galatasaray; we played for Turkish football,” Buruk said in a post-match statement on the club’s website. “We showed exactly what a Turkish team can do to a Premier League side. It’s time we do our talking on the field — not off it.”

Galatasaray deployed an aggressive 3-4-1-2 formation, meticulously designed to counter Tottenham’s play style.

The preparation and strategic boldness paid off as the team controlled possession and found opportunities to capitalize on Tottenham’s vulnerabilities.

“This was one of the most dominant performances Turkish football has seen against an English club,” Buruk added. “We forced Tottenham into mistakes they rarely make.”

The night’s hero was Victor Osimhen, whose two first-half goals in the 31st and 39th minutes demonstrated precision and power, giving Galatasaray a commanding lead.

Buruk praised Osimhen’s relentless effort, saying, “He gave everything despite being tired, and it paid off spectacularly. We could have scored 7 or 8 goals if we had converted all our chances.”

Galatasaray’s relentless attack began early, with Yunus Akgün scoring the opener just six minutes into the game. Although Tottenham’s Will Lankshear equalized soon after, Osimhen’s double strike reestablished the Lions’ lead, sending the Ali Sami Yen Stadium into an electrifying atmosphere.

Reflecting on the crowd’s support, Buruk credited the fans for creating an intense environment that spurred the team on. “The fans and the players worked together as one. We created chances, applied pressure, and showed the quality of the Turkish league. This wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder of what our teams are capable of.”

Tottenham fought back in the second half with a goal from Dominic Solanke in the 69th minute, but Galatasaray’s defense held firm.

Despite making late substitutions to manage fatigue, the Lions maintained their grip on the game, preventing a comeback.

Buruk sees the victory as part of a larger movement for Turkish football. “Our success goes beyond tonight,” he emphasized, referencing recent Turkish clubs’ achievements across Europe. “We’re building our reputation, contributing to our country’s ranking, and proving that Turkish football deserves respect.”

Galatasaray now turn their focus to an upcoming league match against Samsunspor, buoyed by a victory that echoes across Turkish football and bolsters their growing reputation in Europe.

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Board has thrown its full weight behind Nigerian champions, Edo Queens, as they prepare to compete for glory in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, beginning on November 9, 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi expressed confidence in the team’s ability to represent Nigeria with excellence, stating, “Edo Queens’ journey to this prestigious stage is a testament to their hard work and resilience. As they take on Africa’s best clubs, we are offering our unwavering support and belief in their potential to achieve historic success.”

The Board further reiterated its belief in Edo Queens’ ability to showcase Nigerian football’s strength and talent on the continental stage.

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“As you face Africa’s elite, remember you carry the dreams of Nigerian women’s football with you,” the chairperson stated. “We are proud to stand behind you and are confident you will make Nigeria shine.”

With Rivers Angels (2021) and Bayelsa Queens (2022) as previous Nigerian representatives — Edo Queens now set their sights on history, aiming to become the first Nigerian side to reach the final and capture the coveted title on their first attempt.

The Benin Arsenals will begin their maiden campaign in Group B against fellow debutantes Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on November 10, 2024, and square up against first-timers, FC Masar of Egypt three days later before tackling title holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on November 16.