A Nigerian music producer has proposed a high-stakes boxing match to resolve an online feud between two prominent social media personalities, sparking widespread attention. Soso Soberekon, a well-known artist manager, announced via Instagram on Sunday that he would fund a bout between singer Habeeb Okikiola (known as Portable) and controversial commentator VeryDarkMan, pledging ₦120 million (approximately $265,000) to the event. The offer aims to replace their heated social media exchanges with a physical showdown in the ring.
Soberekon’s proposal allocates ₦100 million ($220,000) to the winner and ₦20 million ($44,000) to the loser, ensuring both participants walk away with compensation. In his post, he tagged the rivals directly, writing: “Portable vs VeryDarkMan. Two mouths, one ring. Who go survive? Let’s turn this online cruise into real-life bruises!” The bilingual caption blended English and Nigerian Pidgin, with phrases like “wahala” (trouble) and “if body dey tell una” (if you’re truly bold) reflecting local slang. The match is slated for the KFT Event Center in Warri, Delta State, though neither party has publicly accepted the challenge.
This marks the second time in months that Soberekon has intervened in celebrity disputes through financial incentives. In April, he reportedly offered ₦20 million ($44,000) to organize a rematch between Portable and fellow artist Speed Darlington, whose previous altercation went viral. While such publicized offers often generate buzz, their materialization remains uncertain, raising questions about their intent—whether promotional stunts, conflict resolution attempts, or a blend of both.
Portable, a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s music scene, has a history of confrontations with peers and critics, while VeryDarkMan gained notoriety for blunt social commentary targeting public figures. Their rivalry escalated recently through mutual accusations and insults online, prompting Soberekon’s unconventional proposal.
Local outlets like Media Talk Africa have highlighted the trend of monetizing celebrity conflicts in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where viral disputes frequently translate into commercial opportunities. However, critics argue such spectacles risk trivializing serious disagreements or encouraging aggression for clout.
As reactions pour in from fans, the proposed fight underscores the evolving intersection of entertainment, digital culture, and commerce in West Africa’s creative sectors. Should the match proceed, it could set a precedent for resolving public disputes through staged competitions—a concept gaining traction globally through platforms like celebrity boxing leagues. For now, all eyes remain on Portable and VeryDarkMan to see if their online bravado translates to physical action.
