Nigerian boxer Efe Ajagba criticized Anthony Joshua for not being a true Nigerian, following a dramatic draw against Congolese Martin Bakole.
The statement came in the wake of Ajagba’s intense majority draw against Congolese fighter Martin Bakole at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
While reacting to comparisons between himself and other top-tier boxers during an interview with The Ring, Ajagba dismissed Anthony Joshua’s Nigerian identity, suggesting the British-Nigerian athlete lacks authentic ties to the country.
“Oh man, I don’t think so. He’s not a real Nigerian,” Ajagba said.
“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.”
Ajagba went on to allege that Joshua’s connection to Nigeria is superficial and driven more by optics than genuine cultural experience.
“It’s okay, it’s all good—but I’m the original Nigerian,” he added. “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.”