Nigerian Afrobeats star, Ayra Starr, is set to make history when she headlines the halftime show of the 2026 NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11.

The National Football League announced the development on Thursday, confirming that the Nigerian singer will perform during the highly anticipated international fixture at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

The performance will see Ayra Starr become the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show, marking another significant milestone for Afrobeats and African music on the global entertainment stage.

The NFL London Game is part of the league’s 2026 International Games, an initiative designed to take American football and its entertainment experience to audiences outside the United States.

A major milestone for Afrobeats

Ayra Starr’s selection represents a growing recognition of African music and its expanding influence in major international entertainment markets.

The singer, whose real name is Sarah Aderibigbe, has emerged as one of the leading voices of the new generation of Afrobeats artistes, recording international successes and building a strong following across Africa, Europe and North America.

Her upcoming NFL appearance will provide another major platform for her music, with the performance expected to expose her sound to a global audience watching one of the world’s most prominent sporting leagues.

The singer also confirmed the announcement in a post shared on her official Instagram account, expressing excitement over the opportunity to perform in London.

“I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show in London.

“London is one of my favourite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!” Ayra Starr said.

NFL praises Ayra Starr

The NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, described Ayra Starr as a major talent with a strong connection to London’s music audience.

Tubito said the choice of the Nigerian singer was also reflective of the growing influence of African music in the global music industry.

“London is one of the most influential music cities in the world, and African music has been at the centre of that conversation for years now,” he said.

He added that Ayra Starr was “the right artist to carry that momentum forward,” expressing the league’s excitement about working with her to create a performance capable of matching the energy of the occasion.

The NFL said her appearance would be one of seven halftime shows presented by American Express as part of its 2026 International Games.

The shows will feature performances across seven countries and four continents, further expanding the league’s international entertainment programme.

Eagles, Jaguars set for London clash

The NFL London Game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 11.

The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. British Summer Time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, one of the most prominent sporting venues in London.

The fixture will attract supporters of both American football and international music, with Ayra Starr’s performance expected to form one of the major attractions surrounding the game.

The Eagles and Jaguars are among the NFL teams participating in the league’s international programme, which has continued to expand the sport’s presence outside the United States.

Growing global profile

Ayra Starr’s selection comes as part of the Nigerian singer’s continued rise on the international stage.

Her growing profile has been accompanied by increased recognition for Afrobeats, which has become one of Africa’s most successful cultural exports.

The NFL appearance could further strengthen the connection between African music and major global sporting events, while giving Ayra Starr an opportunity to perform before a diverse international audience.

Previous performers at NFL London games have largely been British and American artistes, making the Nigerian singer’s selection particularly significant for African entertainment.

With the October 11 performance approaching, anticipation is expected to build among Ayra Starr’s fans, NFL supporters and Afrobeats enthusiasts eager to see the singer bring her music to one of the league’s biggest international stages.