'Back where we belong' — Nigerian celebrities and leaders celebrate Arsenal's title win

• Arsenal have won the Premier League for the first time since the 2003–04 Invincibles season.

• Nigerian celebrities, including Davido, Falz, Tiwa Savage and DJ Cuppy, celebrated wildly online.

• African political leaders such as Paul Kagame, William Ruto and Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the title win.

The title was sealed on Monday, May 19, when defending champions Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Bournemouth, leaving them four points behind Arsenal with one game remaining, mathematically unable to catch Mikel Arteta's side. 

Arsenal had done the hard work the day prior, beating Burnley 1-0 to move to 82 points, with a record of 25 wins and 7 draws from 37 matches.

The last time Arsenal were champions of England was the 2003-2004 season, Arsène Wenger's legendary Invincibles campaign, in which the club went unbeaten across all 38 league games. Twenty-two years is a long time, and Nigerian social media made absolutely sure nobody forgot how long it had been.

Davido announced his return to the fold with characteristic bluntness, "BACK A GUNNER!!!", a post that immediately drew mockery from fans who remembered his conspicuous silence during the lean years. DJ Cuppy was equally self-aware, posting "Up Gunners" and asking whether the fanbase would take her back. The internet's verdict was mixed.

Not everyone needed to find their way back. Falz never left and celebrated by calling his tailor to commission a custom agbada for the occasion. Seun Kuti went on a night drive in full Arsenal kit, swinging his jersey out of the window. Footballer Victor Boniface traced his fandom all the way back to his first jersey, a full kit, socks and boots included, bought by his mother. Tiwa Savage and Chike also posted their congratulations.

The political class showed up in equal measure. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki declared the Gunners "back where we belong." Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola called it "twenty-two years in the making." Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar delivered a full speech about resilience and discipline. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer kept it simple: "Champions."

Beyond Nigeria, two African heads of state weighed in. Rwanda's Paul Kagame, whose country holds a shirt sponsorship partnership with the club, offered congratulations to the country's "VisitRwanda partner." Kenya's William Ruto went further, delivering a meditation on hope, resilience, and the long road to the summit that could have doubled as a campaign speech.

For Arsenal fans, it has been a very long 22 years. For everyone else, the night was at least entertaining.

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