Nigeria and Angola united in grief on Sunday as the Federal Government extended formal condolences following the death of Angola’s former Vice President, Fernando Dias dos Santos, while also preparing to celebrate a cultural triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The diplomatic gesture honours a veteran of Angola’s liberation struggle, even as Nigerian artistes like Davido continue to chart new territory for the nation’s soft power on the world’s biggest sporting stages.
In an official statement released on Sunday, the Nigerian government expressed its profound sadness at the passing of the distinguished Angolan statesman, who died on 18 December 2025 in Luanda after an illness.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, conveyed Nigeria’s solidarity with its fraternal neighbour. “The late Fernando dos Santos was not only a pillar of Angolan stability but also a respected voice in the Southern African region and across the African continent,” the statement read. It further described his lifelong commitment to “national unity, reconciliation, and development” as ideals that resonate with Nigeria’s own aspirations for continental progress.
Affectionately known as “Nando,” dos Santos was a cousin of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos and a key figure in the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola. His career spanned decades of public service, including roles as Vice Minister, Minister, Prime Minister, Vice President, and President of the National Assembly. In honour of his legacy, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço decreed a one-day national mourning period for 22 December 2025, coinciding with the former leader’s funeral.
As Nigeria engages in diplomatic tradition, its modern cultural ambassadors are breaking new ground. The nation’s Afrobeats stars have transitioned from music charts to headlining the planet’s most-watched sporting ceremonies, a trend set to continue at the upcoming AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Just this Sunday, international star Davido performed at the AFCON 2025 Kick-Off Concert in Rabat, Morocco, setting the tone for the tournament. His appearance follows a pattern of Nigerian artists commanding global sporting platforms. Davido made history in 2022 as the first Nigerian artiste to feature on a FIFA World Cup theme song, performing at the draw ceremony in Qatar. Burna Boy became the first Nigerian to headline the UEFA Champions League final Kick-Off Show in Istanbul in June 2023. Rema delivered a standout performance of “Calm Down” at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in October 2023.
This movement underscores a significant expansion of Nigeria’s global influence, where its soft power is now ritually displayed to audiences of hundreds of millions.
The sombre news from Angola and the celebratory cultural milestones occur against a backdrop of significant domestic events in Nigeria. Last week, the nation’s political and social landscape was animated by several key developments.
President Bola Tinubu concluded a three-state tour, visiting Borno and Bauchi on condolence visits before arriving in Lagos for the end-of-year holidays. In security operations, the Nigerian Army reported ambushing a Boko Haram logistics convoy in Borno, killing 21 terrorists, while also inducting over 3,000 new soldiers in Osogbo. On the economic front, Heirs Energy secured a major 750 million dollar facility from Afreximbank to boost oil output, and the ICT sector was reported to have generated 9.44 trillion naira in a renewed broadband push. In international partnership, the United States and Nigeria signed a substantial 2.1 billion dollar health agreement aimed at boosting faith-based care, highlighting ongoing bilateral cooperation.
