Nigerian artists who performed international football tournaments

From the colourful African Cup of Nations to the electrifying stage of European Club football, and the FIFA World Cup which is the biggest sporting event in the world, Nigerian artists have graced football’s biggest stages.

Recently, Yemi Alade became the latest Nigerian to perform at an international football tournament with her appearance at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

Here are 7 Nigerian artists who have performed at international football tournaments.

The Koko Master brought his superstar profile to the closing ceremony of the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa. In what is a historic night for Nigerians, the superstar performed his hit single ‘Top Of The World’ before the Super Eagles lifted the continental trophy after beating Burkina Faso 1 nill.

Afrobeats megastar Davido became the first Nigerian artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He performed the official anthem ‘Hayya Hayya’ alongside AISHA and Trinidad Cardona.

Grammy award-winner Burna Boy has recorded another giant feat after he became the first African artist to perform in a UEFA Champions League Final at the 2023 European Club football final in Istanbul

Yemi Alade dazzled listeners at the 2024 AFCON opening ceremony in Ivory Coast with a performance of the official anthem ‘Akwaba’ alongside Magic System and Mohamad Ramadan.

While not a tournament, the Ballon d’Or ceremony is a globally anticipated annual football award night. In 2023, Rema thrilled the guests with his hit single ‘Calm Down’ as he became the first African to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Kizz Daniel was one of the stars who graced the FIFA 2022 Concert in Qatar which was one of the side attractions at the tournament. The hitmaker performed his 2022 smash hit single ‘Buga’ featuring Tekno.

Patoranking was also one of the artists that headlined the FIFA 2022 Concert in Qatar where he entertained fans with a collection of his hit songs.