Efe Ajagba’s recent majority draw against Martin Bakole in Riyadh has been overshadowed by his provocative comments regarding fellow heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua’s Nigerian identity. Speaking with The Ring following his fight at the ANB Arena, Ajagba, visibly animated, dismissed the notion of Joshua being considered a true Nigerian, igniting a debate that has quickly spread across social media and boxing circles.

 

The suggestion from The Ring that Joshua could be in the mix of top heavyweight contenders prompted Ajagba’s blunt response. The 30-year-old, who holds a notable record with his sole professional defeat coming against Frank Sánchez in 2021, stated emphatically, “Oh man, I don’t think so. He’s not a real Nigerian.”

 

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Ajagba elaborated on his reasoning, drawing a distinction between his own upbringing and Joshua’s. “He might have just been there, and that’s where his parents came from, but for me, I’m the original Nigerian, to be honest. Not Joshua—he hasn’t experienced Nigeria. Almost all of his life has been spent in the UK.”

 

The heavyweight contender went further, accusing Joshua of only visiting Nigeria for superficial reasons. “It’s okay, it’s all good—but I’m the original Nigerian,” Ajagba asserted, implying that Joshua’s connection to the country is merely for “social media content” rather than a genuine cultural immersion.

 

Emphasizing his own deep roots, Ajagba proclaimed, “In Africa, Nigeria is always No. 1 when it comes to sport, and I’m the original Nigerian. That’s what it’s all about—I’ve got power, and I’ve got skills.” His remarks appear to stem from a belief that experiencing life in Nigeria is a fundamental aspect of truly embodying Nigerian identity, a perspective that challenges the notion of nationality based solely on heritage.

Anthony Joshua, born in Watford, UK, to Nigerian parents, has often spoken of his Nigerian heritage and has visited the country on several occasions. He frequently acknowledges his roots and expresses pride in his Nigerian background. However, he has spent the vast majority of his life and boxing career in the United Kingdom.

 

Ajagba’s comments have already sparked a range of reactions. Some have sided with Ajagba, arguing that cultural immersion and lived experience are crucial aspects of national identity. Others have criticized his statements as divisive and unnecessary, pointing to Joshua’s consistent acknowledgment of his Nigerian heritage and his global representation of his background.

 

This controversy adds an intriguing layer to the heavyweight boxing scene, potentially creating a future narrative should Ajagba and Joshua ever find themselves on a collision course in the ring. It also raises broader questions about the complexities of identity, nationality, and what it truly means to be connected to one’s heritage in an increasingly globalized world.

 

The debate ignited by Ajagba’s words is likely to continue, resonating with many who grapple with similar questions of identity and belonging.