Oshoala, DJ Cuppy, others back Joshua after defeat

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua lost to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk via split decision early on Sunday morning at the King Abdullah Sports Arena in Jeddah with Usyk retaining his IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO titles.

Nigerians took to social media to react to the defeat after the former champion lost his chance to regain the titles from Usyk in Saudi Arabia.

African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, sympathised with Joshua’s loss and voiced her continued support for him, writing, “I felt AJ had like 2 occasions where he could’ve gone in for a KO but he was too tired. Omo na we wey no too understand the sport Dey analyze pass….. Anyway, we are coming back, NAIJA FOR LIFE STILL.”

Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, added, “So PROUD of Femi! WITH or WITHOUT belts, ALWAYS my CHAMP. Oh and before I forget, F*CK the HATERS!”

Former BBNaija housemate, Erica Nlwedim, showed her support for the two-time heavyweight champion writing, “Anthony Joshua you’re still a champion.”

Kehinde Oluwayemi reacted to the backlash Joshua got from boxing fans in the media and encouraged Joshua not to give up.

“It’s crazy that some grown men & women can be big bullies than kids and it is something that organizers never thought to pay attention to, especially at the sports centers. It’s sad. Great fight @anthonyjoshua. Never stop, and keep going. AJ, you  have improved a lot.”