Portable vs. Carter Efe: Zazuu Star Demands N350M for Celebrity Boxing Match, Rejects N50M

 

The Nigerian entertainment scene is buzzing with a fresh wave of drama as controversial street-hop artist Portable (Habeeb Okikiola) has set a massive price tag on a potential celebrity boxing match against comedian-turned-singer Carter Efe. In a viral social media outburst on Monday, February 23, 2026, the "Zazuu Zeh" crooner boldly rejected a N50 million offer to step into the ring, demanding a staggering N350 million instead. Portable, known for his eccentric personality and unfiltered commentary, claimed that his brand is far too valuable for the "small change" being offered by promoters to facilitate the bout.

​The Genesis of the Feud: Why Portable and Carter Efe?

​The rivalry between Portable and Carter Efe is not entirely new to social media followers. The duo has had several back-and-forth exchanges over the years, ranging from musical disagreements to social media clout-chasing. However, the tension escalated recently when fans began clamoring for a physical showdown to settle their differences, following the trend of celebrity boxing matches popularized by figures like Cassper Nyovest in South Africa and various influencers in the West.

​Promoters, sensing a commercial goldmine, reportedly approached Portable with a contract worth N50 million. To many, this would be a lucrative deal for a one-night exhibition, but Portable viewed it as an insult to his "superstar" status.

​"I Am a Global Brand": Portable Breaks Down His N350M Demand

​In his characteristic high-energy style, Portable took to his Instagram stories to vent his frustrations. He argued that the physical risks associated with boxing, combined with the massive viewership he brings to any platform, justify his nine-figure demand.

​"They are offering me N50 million to fight Carter Efe. Do they think I am a local fighter? I am a global brand! My face alone is worth more than that. If you want to see 'Zazuu' in the ring, you must bring N350 million. Anything less than that, don't call my phone," Portable declared.

​He further mocked Carter Efe’s fighting capabilities, suggesting that the comedian does not have the stamina or the "street grit" to last a round with him. Portable often portrays himself as a product of the trenches who is always "battle-ready," using this persona to negotiate higher stakes in his business dealings.

​The Growing Trend of Celebrity Boxing in Nigeria

​This latest development reflects the growing appetite for celebrity boxing in Nigeria. Following the highly publicized (though often criticized) matches involving other social media personalities, the industry is seeing a shift where entertainment and sports collide.

​For promoters, a Portable vs. Carter Efe fight is a "dream ticket" because:

• ​High Engagement: Both stars have massive, highly reactive fan bases.
• ​Conflict Narrative: Their long-standing "beef" provides a ready-made story for marketing.
• ​Virality: Portable’s unpredictable nature ensures that the pre-fight press conferences would be just as entertaining as the actual match.

​Carter Efe’s Reaction and the Promoter's Dilemma

​While Carter Efe has previously expressed his willingness to "discipline" Portable in the ring, he has yet to give a definitive response to the N350 million demand. Industry experts suggest that while N350 million is an astronomical figure for a local celebrity bout, it might be a negotiation tactic used by Portable to push the final offer closer to the N100 million – N150 million mark.

​The promoters now face a dilemma. To meet Portable's demands, they would need heavy corporate sponsorship and a high-priced Pay-Per-View (PPV) model, which is still a developing market in Nigeria. However, with the current inflation and the high cost of production, the N50 million initial offer was seen as a "safe" entry point that Portable has now effectively demolished.

​What’s Next for the Zazuu Star?

​As it stands, the fight is in limbo. Portable remains adamant that he will not lace up his gloves for anything "cheap." This bold stance has divided fans—some applaud him for knowing his worth and "billing" properly, while others believe he is pricing himself out of a fun opportunity to settle his scores with Carter Efe.

​Whether this demand is a strategic move or just another classic Portable rant, one thing is certain: the conversation around a celebrity boxing league in Nigeria has reached a fever pitch. If a sponsor eventually steps up with the N350 million, it would set a new record for the highest-paid exhibition match in West African entertainment history.