Nigerian singer, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr has become the first African artiste to headline a National Football League (NFL) International Games halftime show following her performance in London on Sunday, October 11, 2026. 

The Afrobeats star performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars, delivering a set that featured some of her biggest hits and songs from her latest album, Starrgirl.

Her set included Heaven Baby, Rush, Santa and Dangerous, alongside a medley of Hot Body and Ms. Paper.

The performance brought her blend of Afrobeats and pop to an international sporting audience.

Speaking after the performance, Starr described the experience as amazing and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

“It was amazing. I felt like there was another person on the stage, because by the time we were done, I was like, ‘Oh my God, we are already done.’ But it was amazing. I am so grateful for this,” she said.

The performance marks another milestone in Starr’s growing international career, as Nigerian music continues to gain visibility on major global entertainment platforms.

The NFL has previously featured several prominent female performers at its halftime shows, including Diana Ross, Madonna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Shakira, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez. Starr’s appearance, however, marks the first time an African artiste has headlined a halftime show at an NFL International Games event.

The NFL is the professional American football league in the United States. Its International Games programme takes regular-season matches beyond the country, with London among the cities that host fixtures.

The halftime show provides entertainment during the break between the two halves of a match.

Ayra Starr’s performance formed part of the NFL’s 2026 International Games entertainment programme, which features seven halftime shows across seven countries and four continents. Her appearance adds to the growing presence of African artistes on international stages beyond traditional music venues.