Nigeria out of World Cup, but Burna Boy ensures Super Eagles’ spirit will still roarB

By Maxwell Kumoye
 
 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria may have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the country’s influence will still echo across football’s biggest stage thanks to Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy.

Global pop icon Shakira on Thursday unveiled Dai Dai, the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, with Burna Boy featuring prominently on the highly anticipated track.

The song, scheduled for release on May 14, was teased by Shakira in a video filmed at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, instantly generating excitement ahead of the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

While Nigerian football fans are still recovering from the disappointment of the Super Eagles missing out on qualification, Burna Boy’s involvement guarantees that Nigeria’s culture, sound and global energy will still have a powerful presence throughout the competition.

The collaboration is another landmark moment for Nigerian entertainment on the world stage, further cementing Afrobeats as one of the planet’s most influential music movements. 

Burna Boy’s inclusion alongside Shakira, one of football’s most iconic musical voices underlines Nigeria’s growing cultural dominance despite the absence of its national team.

For Shakira, the anthem marks a return to familiar territory. Her 2010 World Cup hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became one of the most successful football songs ever, while she also headlined the 2014 World Cup with La La La (Brazil 2014).

Now, with Burna Boy by her side, Nigeria is poised to leave its fingerprints on the 2026 tournament in a different but equally significant way.

Even without the Super Eagles on the pitch, Nigerian fans may still find themselves singing along to a World Cup anthem powered by one of their own.

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