Dare Babalola
The triumph of Arsenal F.C. in the 2025/2026 Premier League season has sparked widespread celebration across Nigeria’s political, entertainment, religious, and sports circles, marking the club’s first league title since 2004 and ending a 22-year wait for the Gunners.
The historic win, confirmed after Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth on the final day run-in, sealed a long-anticipated redemption story under manager Mikel Arteta and triggered jubilation among fans who had endured years of near misses and rebuilding.
The victory is widely seen as a defining moment in modern English football, with Arsenal finally reclaiming domestic supremacy after more than two decades of drought.
The result not only restored pride to North London but also cemented Arteta’s legacy as the manager who completed a long-term rebuild that transformed criticism and doubt into silverware.
Reacting to the feat, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Arsenal’s resilience, discipline, and belief, describing the title as a reward for persistence and teamwork, and noting that “as a proud supporter, tonight is special. North London is red again.”
Minister Festus Keyamo also joined the celebrations, declaring: “After 22 long years, we are FINALLY CHAMPIONS!! UP GUNNERS!!” while also applauding Manchester City for pushing Arsenal throughout the season.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki congratulated the Gunners, simply declaring: “Premier League Champions! After 22 long years, The Arsenal are back where we belong.”
Cleric Apostle Johnson Suleiman described the win as the completion of “the process,” referencing Arteta’s long-term rebuild philosophy and urging fans to enjoy the moment after years of frustration.
Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, in his trademark style, erupted in celebration, declaring: “ARSENALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LET THE DEAD BURY DEM DEAD.”
Former Kogi State Deputy Governor Edward Onoja described the victory as long overdue, praising Arteta and suggesting Arsenal could be on course for a historic double.
Former House of Representatives member, Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon, delivered a characteristically grand tribute, calling on “aficionados and connoisseurs of football” to celebrate Arsenal’s “incontrovertible and unassailable championship,” describing their success as an “indelible imprimatur upon the annals of sporting history.”
In the same celebratory wave, former aide to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie Success, announced a publicised ₦1 million giveaway linked to celebrations of the title win, attributing the gesture to Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, and hailing Arsenal’s long-awaited triumph.
Singer Seun Kuti reacted with a jubilant video message, saying fans should take pride in the victory and reflecting that “haters will always talk, but winning silences everything.”
Comedian Cute Abiola also congratulated the club, while urging fans to forgive critics who doubted Arsenal’s chances before the title win.
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie joined the celebrations with an emphatic message to fans, describing the moment as surreal and urging supporters to embrace the long-awaited glory after “22 years of waiting and trolling.”
In a more dramatic tone, Fuji legend Pasuma was seen in a jubilant video dancing and hailing the club.
Oil and gas expert Ademola Adigun captured the emotional intensity of fans, joking that Arsenal supporters were in “ecstatic celebration mode” and predicting widespread personal celebrations among supporters.
Social commentator Kay Lord offered a poetic tribute, reflecting on years of disappointment and persistence before declaring that Arsenal’s “red sky is roaring” and their “time had begun,” in a lyrical celebration of redemption.
Businessman Stephen Akintayo extended his congratulations while humorously referencing Arsenal fans’ long suffering, praying they would not wait another two decades for the next title.
Popular cleric Fada Oluoma joined in the celebration with humorous remarks, while urging unity among fans and declaring the victory well deserved.
Gospel singer Moses Bliss anchored his message in scripture, likening the win to a restoration moment of joy and laughter for long-suffering supporters.
DJ Cuppy also briefly joined in the celebration, simply posting: “Congratulations Arsenal.”
Actor Mofe Duncan gave an emotional tribute, thanking players and manager Mikel Arteta for persistence and listing several squad members in appreciation, while urging fans to “milk the moment.”
Former Super Eagles player Ojo Olorunleke also congratulated Arsenal supporters, describing the achievement as well deserved and celebrating success regardless of rivalry.
In a separate twist, an old sermon clip of Pastor Dolapo Lawal resurfaced online, where he had once used Arsenal’s struggles as a metaphor for “spiritual embargo.” However, following the club’s victory, he reportedly issued a light-hearted apology and announced a thanksgiving service for Arsenal fans, turning earlier criticism into celebration.
From politics to pop culture, religion to entertainment, Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League triumph has united a wide spectrum of voices in Nigeria and beyond—marking not just a football victory, but a cultural moment of shared joy and long-delayed redemption.
