Phyna Unveils Strategy Behind Nkechi Blessing's Ring Defeat

Josephina Otabor, widely recognized as Phyna and winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7, has shed light on the calculated approach and tactical prowess she employed to secure victory against actress Nkechi Blessing in their highly anticipated celebrity boxing match.

Phyna achieved a first-round knockout over Nkechi Blessing during the inaugural female celebrity boxing bout held at the “Chaos in the Ring” spectacle in Lagos on Wednesday, October 1, 2026. In an interview with comedian Egungun, captured in a video released on Saturday, Phyna explained her decision to avoid a direct slugfest with Nkechi, noting the actress’s larger physical build. “It’s not always about brute force; sometimes, you need to apply what we call logic,” Phyna stated, emphasizing the role of strategic thinking over raw power.

The reality TV star elaborated that she opted for wisdom over impulsive aggression after assessing her opponent’s size. “She was on a mightier size than me. So, as a smart girl, I was supposed to apply wisdom and refuse to be led by anger, but by wisdom,” she recounted.

Phyna revealed her training period was remarkably short, lasting only 10 days, during which her coach played a crucial role in honing her boxing abilities. She further disclosed that she altered her game plan mid-fight upon realizing Nkechi Blessing was not adopting a conventional boxing stance. This observation led her to conclude that the actress intended to engage in a street-fighting style rather than a standard boxing contest. “When we entered the stage to fight, normally my coach taught me boxing. But as we were on stage, as we were about to start, I noticed she didn’t hold her hand like someone who wanted to box,” Phyna explained. “That’s when I understood that, okay, she wanted to engage me in a street fight, because she knew they wouldn’t quickly foul her.”

Consequently, Phyna adjusted her strategy after closely monitoring Nkechi’s movements, with her coach repeatedly instructing her to maintain mobility throughout the bout. The BBNaija star admitted she had promised to 'run' Nkechi around the ring and 'rub' her to the ground. “I was having fun. It ended too fast. I promised her something. I said, ‘I go use you, I go use you run round, run round, run round, run round… I go use you rub ground,’” she declared.

However, Phyna dismissed the possibility of a rematch when questioned about facing Nkechi again. “Rematch? There’s no need. In life, they say, ‘Children, obey thy parent so your days may be long.’ I don’t disrespect her, so make curse no follow me,” she asserted.

When asked about other celebrities she would consider fighting, Phyna named former BBNaija housemate Wathoni Anyansi and actress Etinosa Idemudia, humorously noting they were among those who had been “forcing” her to show them respect. She jokingly added that she might face Etinosa one-on-one or even “use her rub ground.”

The bout between Phyna and Nkechi was a highlight of the “Chaos in the Ring” event, which also featured other celebrity showdowns, including Macbones claiming the WBO title and Carter Efe defeating Speed Darlington. Following her loss, Nkechi Blessing expressed her desire to return to acting, stating she was not a professional boxer. Phyna’s victory garnered praise from friends and fellow entertainers like Chigurl, who remarked, “Once a winner, always a winner,” cautioning others against challenging her.