By Jacob Ajom

Amidst the raging impact of the hunger protest against bad governance that crippled some parts of the country last Sunday August 4, Alaba Arago, a popular market along the Lagos -Badagry expressway, popularized by people of northern Nigeria extraction witnessed something far refreshing, immune from the general agitations.

Thousands of fans squeezed into a small arena to watch Dambe Warriors engage one another in unforgettable encounters. Thousands couldn’t gain access into the arena, yet they would not leave as they could be seen mingling around the area, anxiously waiting for news from inside.

The event was the final of the Dambe Warriors League Season Three. Indeed it ended with a flourish. The event attracted influencers, media executives, government officials, and approximately 5,000 raving fans. They were not disappointed as the greatest Dambe warriors in the world put on an exciting show. Not only are the matchups now set for SuperFight 03 in Abuja at the Velodrome, but also the lowest ranked Warriors have been relegated from the League. As one Nigerian spectator commented, “With all the noise about strikes, it is great to sit back, be entertained, and be proud of our tradition and culture.” That was the power of sports over politics. Luckily, for those hundreds of thousands that couldn’t attend in person, Circuit Fight 15 was also available for viewing on AIT, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

The main event of the Lightweight division did not disappoint with YAR MAGE defeating CHINDO by a score of 87-84. In the other divisional bouts, newcomer NASSARAWA took down KURMA via an 88-85 margin, while KUDAWA bested ZAYYANU by TKO. In just a few short weeks, YAR MAGE will face NASSARAWA at SuperFight 03 and KURMA and ZAYYANU have been relegated from Dambe Warriors League.

The stars of the Middleweight division went blow for blow to the delight of the capacity crowd, but in the end, SHAABAN came out on top against ZAZU with a score of 114-112. Elsewhere, MESSI defeated RAMADAN by TKO, as did DAN NIGERIA over YASANDA. The Middleweight SuperFight championship match is now set with rising stars SHAABAN and MESSI squaring off against each other. Unfortunately, due to their poor performances, DAN NIGERIA and YASANDA are relegated from the League and will not return for Season Four.

The heavy hitters in the Heavyweight division ended the evening under the lights with an absolute thriller. In the final fight of the night, with the two dominant newcomers squaring off, YANSANDA vanquished TARASA by a convincing 89-81 result. Rounding out the weight class, DOGO MAITAKWASARA took down DUTSE with a score of 86-84, and ALI KANIN BELLO squeaked by DAN YELLOW by an 87-86 count. SuperFight 03 in Abuja is now bracing itself for the Heavyweight bout between viral sensation ALI KANIN BELLO and top contender YANSANDA. Unfortunately, DUTSE and DAN YELLOW will not return next season due to finishing at the bottom of the rankings.

Alaba Arago Ojo in Lagos has always been a premier destination for Dambe Warriors, but this past Sunday was something else. The improvements in production, fan experience, and safety protocols was recognizable not only to those in attendance, but those watching from their home and work as well. Now, the country anxiously awaits mid-September to arrive so the final contenders can square off at the Velodrome in Abuja for glory, fame, and the largest cash prize in Dambe history.