A Canada-based Nigerian doctor, Arinze Onwumelu, advised singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, to undergo a brain scan after his recent celebrity boxing match. The bout took place over the weekend in Lagos against skit maker Carter Efe. Portable lost the high-intensity fight, which drew wide attention from fans and celebrities.
The match generated significant buzz on social media after Portable’s defeat. Onwumelu, known as Dr. Zo, watched the full video of the contest. He noted that Carter Efe landed multiple punches to sensitive areas of Portable’s head.
In a viral video and post, Onwumelu warned of potential risks. He stated, “This is an exhibition match meant for entertainment, not a real fight to harm anyone. The contenders are not expected to fight to that extent.” He added that the punches raised concerns about recovery.
Onwumelu urged Portable to get a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan soon. He explained that the singer faced risks such as subdural hematoma, a serious brain injury from damaged arteries. “Anybody who knows Portable should take him to the hospital for MRI and brain test; there may be an artery that might have been damaged,” he said.
The doctor also criticized the lack of head protection. He called on future event organizers to make headguards mandatory to prevent trauma.
Before the fight, Portable had declared himself medically fit. He pointed to earlier victories over rapper Speed Darlington and actor Charles Okocha in similar events. No immediate response from Portable or his team appeared in reports.
