Nigerian-born Irish boxer Daniel Fakoyede has declared his ambition to conquer the global heavyweight boxing scene after making an explosive professional debut in Dublin.

The 27-year-old fighter, who competes in the Super Heavyweight category, announced his arrival in the paid ranks with a first-round knockout victory over Polish opponent Mateusz Rybarski at the National Stadium, Dublin — a bout that lasted just 72 seconds.

Born on March 17, 1998, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Fakoyede moved with his family to Ireland in October 2000, where he grew up in Dublin. Now representing Ireland, he has a professional record of 10 bouts, with seven wins coming by knockout, reflecting a KO rate of over 57 percent.

Speaking about his journey, Fakoyede said his love for boxing began as a teenager, inspired by former world champion Anthony Joshua, whose success and charisma motivated him to pursue the sport seriously.

“I wanted to win the love and respect of people just as Anthony Joshua did through his boxing and likeable character,” he said.

Fakoyede began his boxing career in October 2019 under head coach Frank Stacey at the Westside Boxing Club, where he honed his skills as an amateur. After amassing an amateur record of 7 wins and 3 losses, with a knockout ratio of 71 percent, he transitioned into professional boxing in 2024.

To prepare for the professional circuit, Fakoyede joined Unit 3 Boxing Gym under coach Niall Barrett, before signing a management deal in May 2025 with Sheer Sports Management, headed by former Irish professional boxer Jason Quigley.

Now based in Dublin, Fakoyede says his goal extends beyond personal success. He hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes from immigrant backgrounds whose parents may be hesitant about boxing.

“I want to create opportunities for those coming after me who come from immigrant families like mine,” he explained. “Many parents are skeptical about boxing, but the sport teaches structure, discipline, and self-control.”

He also emphasized the mental and emotional discipline required to excel in boxing.

“Boxing isn’t about anger or violence,” he said. “It’s about dedication, discipline, perseverance, and intelligence. An angry, wild boxer won’t go far, but one with a cool head and a great work ethic will.”

Fakoyede credits boxing with giving him focus and direction during his youth, encouraging parents to let energetic children channel their drive into sports.

“Boxing gave me structure and kept me disciplined during my tumultuous days growing up,” he reflected.

With his powerful knockout debut and a growing reputation in Ireland’s boxing circuit, Daniel Fakoyede is now setting his sights on climbing the heavyweight ladder — determined to make both Nigeria and Ireland proud.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

For over a decade, Bet9ja has extended its reach beyond sports betting to touch real lives through the Bet9ja Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowerment, education, and youth development.

At the heart of its mission is a belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not — and that Nigerian youth deserve access to both.

Key initiatives include:

• Sports Infrastructure Renewal: Through strategic partnerships, Bet9ja has supported the renovation of local sporting facilities — from football fields to boxing gyms — providing safe spaces where young Nigerians can train, dream, and compete.

• Scholarships and Skill Development: The Foundation offers scholarships and vocational training programs aimed at equipping youths with tools for self-reliance, whether in sports, technology, or entrepreneurship.

• Grassroots Sports Talent Hunt: Partnering with schools and local councils, Bet9ja scouts and supports emerging athletes, offering mentorship, exposure, and funding to help them reach professional levels.

• Community Uplift Projects: From orphanage donations to environmental clean-ups and women’s empowerment programs, Bet9ja continues to use its platform to strengthen communities nationwide.

The Itauma partnership is the latest chapter in this vision — combining global inspiration with local action. As Mrs. Olatunji put it, “We’re not just betting on sport. We’re betting on Nigeria’s future.”

The Naija Power in His Punch

Though raised in Europe, Itauma never shies away from his Nigerian roots. He says the “Naija power” fuels him in every bout. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight,” he said with a smile. “There are a lot of fighters around the world who are Nigerian — you can feel that strength. It’s in the blood.”

Indeed, from Anthony Joshua to Efe Ajagba, Nigerian fighters have become a global force in heavyweight boxing. But Itauma is determined to carve his own lane.

“I respect those who came before me,” he said. “But I don’t want to be ‘the next someone’. I want to be me. That’s what I’m trying to say — I want to be Moses Itauma.”

That identity, both personal and cultural, is what this homecoming celebrates. A young man shaped by three continents — Europe, Africa, and the wider sporting world — is learning that his greatest power may lie not just in his fists, but in his story.

Dreaming of a Nigerian Fight Night

For fans, the question is inevitable: will Moses ever fight on Nigerian soil?

His response was instant: “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria — that’s a dream. There’s so much talent here, and the atmosphere would be incredible.”

If realised, it could be a watershed moment — a globally broadcast fight night in Lagos, headlined by a young star returning home, uniting a nation through sport. For Bet9ja, that’s precisely the kind of vision they hope to help materialise.

Rediscovering Heritage, Reclaiming Identity

For all the bright lights and brand partnerships, Itauma’s reflections remain deeply personal. Growing up in Europe, he often felt a quiet distance from his roots.

“Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria,” he admitted. “When this opportunity came along, I thought — this is the right time. The right moment to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons I’m here is to reconnect 100% with my heritage.”

That reconnection — emotional, cultural, and symbolic — is at the core of his visit.

It’s not unusual for children of the diaspora to wrestle with questions of belonging. But for Itauma, the answer now feels clear: he belongs everywhere Nigeria’s spirit thrives.

Beyond Boxing: The Bigger Picture

For Bet9ja, Itauma’s story is a mirror reflecting what’s possible when Nigerian talent is nurtured and celebrated. The partnership speaks to a larger mission — one that goes beyond sponsorships to social investment and youth empowerment.

By linking a world-class athlete with local initiatives, Bet9ja hopes to ignite a chain reaction — inspiring young Nigerians to dream boldly, while giving them platforms to act on those dreams.

Born to Win, Bred Naija Style

As the Lagos skyline glows into evening and Itauma continues his homecoming tour, his words linger: “This is more than a visit.”

Indeed, it is. It’s a reminder that victory isn’t only measured by belts or scorecards — but by roots rediscovered, bridges rebuilt, and dreams reignited.

For Moses Itauma, Born to Win is more than a motto. It’s the story of a fighter whose heart beats to the rhythm of home — strong, fearless, and forever Naija style.

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Heavyweight boxing prospect Moses Itauma has returned to Nigeria in partnership with Bet9ja, marking an important homecoming that connects his international career with his Nigerian heritage.

At just 20 years of age, Itauma has already gained recognition as one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. His visit is designed not only to reconnect him with his roots but also to inspire young Nigerians, support grassroots sports, and highlight the role of Nigerian heritage in global sport.

Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting brand, is at the centre of this partnership, emphasising its commitment to the development of talent and the celebration of Nigerian excellence.

Mrs Jennifer Olatunji, Senior Marketing Manager at Bet9ja, said: “Moses carries Africa in his heart and Nigeria in his DNA. Through this partnership, we’re celebrating not just his boxing career, but the unstoppable Nigerian spirit.”

Speaking at a media session in Lagos, Itauma reflected on the significance of returning home.

“This is more than a visit – it’s a chance to celebrate where I come from, to stand with my people, and to show the world what it means to be Born to Win. Bred Naija Style,” he said.

Itauma, who was born in Slovakia to Nigerian parents and raised in the UK, explained that the trip offered an opportunity to learn more about his heritage. “The journey so far hasn’t been a long one to be honest, obviously I’m only 20 years old, but I’m forever staying curious, I’m forever learning. Every city, every country I go to, I always learn something different. Coming here, I’m just glad to learn about the culture, my culture, and gain experience too.”

As part of the partnership, Itauma will engage in a series of cultural and sporting activities throughout the week. A key highlight will be a visit to a Lagos boxing facility, where he will meet young athletes. Plans are also underway to renovate and reopen a local boxing gym in collaboration with the Bet9ja Foundation, creating opportunities for grassroots talent to train and develop.

“The partnership is not just about sending a message but about being hands-on with the development of young athletes. Nigeria is full of untapped potential, and it’s about executing real opportunities for the next generation,” Itauma explained.

When asked about Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for producing elite fighters, Itauma acknowledged the strength of his background. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight. There are a lot of fighters around the world that obviously are Nigerian,” he said.

Referencing boxers like Anthony Joshua and others with Nigerian roots, Itauma stressed the importance of creating his own identity. “I want to be a person, not someone else. That’s what I’m trying to say.”

With a record of fast knockouts early in his professional career, questions were raised about when Itauma might step up to challenge the top heavyweights. He responded with patience.

“My job is just to get in the ring and fight. Everything that’s outside the ring, making fights happen, that’s down to the team. I still have a lot of time on my hands.”

On the possibility of fighting in Nigeria, Itauma was enthusiastic. “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria. There’s a lot of talent here,” he confirmed.

Itauma also explained why the Bet9ja partnership was significant to him personally. “Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria. When this came along, I said, It’s a good time to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons for me 100% discover my heritage.”

The homecoming marks more than just a symbolic return. It blends sports, culture, and community engagement, with Bet9ja positioning itself as a partner in unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians through sports.

As Itauma continues to rise in international boxing, his commitment to his Nigerian roots and the potential of the country’s youth remain central to his journey.