Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy is set to headline the halftime show at the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Paris Game, bringing Afrobeats to one of the biggest sporting events scheduled in France this year.

The Nigerian music star, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, will perform at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The performance will take place during the NFL’s first regular-season game in France, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints.

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The game, presented by American Express, is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST), corresponding to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States.

Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international sporting platform for the Nigerian singer, who has increasingly performed at high-profile events outside the traditional music circuit.

 Burna Boy Returns to Stade de France

The NFL Paris halftime performance will see Burna Boy return to the Stade de France less than two years after making history at the venue.

On April 18, 2025, the singer became the first African artiste to headline a solo concert at the stadium, according to the venue. The concert sold all 80,000 available tickets.

Reflecting on his upcoming return, Burna Boy said his previous experience in Paris made the NFL opportunity particularly significant.

“Paris gave me one of the biggest nights of my career, and to walk back into Stade de France for a moment like this means everything,” he said.

The singer added that the NFL’s arrival in France represented a new moment for the country and said he intended to use the platform to showcase African music.

The NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, said Burna Boy was chosen because of the significance of the league’s first regular-season game in France.

According to Tubito, the occasion required a halftime performance capable of matching the importance of the event, while Burna Boy’s previous connection with the Stade de France made him a suitable choice.

The Paris halftime performance is part of seven entertainment programmes planned for the NFL’s 2026 International Games.

The international fixtures are spread across seven countries and four continents, with other announced performers including the Jonas Brothers in Melbourne, Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin in Rio de Janeiro, Ayra Starr in London, Cage The Elephant in Munich and The Warning in Mexico City.

Burna Boy’s growing presence at major international events follows a series of performances that have expanded the global visibility of Nigerian music.

He won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice As Tall. He also performed at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show in Istanbul in 2023 and appeared at the NBA All-Star Game the same year.

The singer is also scheduled to perform alongside Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including their collaboration “Dai Dai.”

His NFL appearance will further place Afrobeats within the entertainment programme of a major American sports league’s international expansion.

The NFL Paris Game is being organised in partnership with GL events, with support from the French Ministry of Sports.

In France, Burna Boy’s complete halftime performance will be broadcast live by France Télévisions and beIN Sports. L’Équipe will broadcast the game later in the evening.

No details have yet been released about Burna Boy’s setlist or whether other performers will join him on stage.

Nigerian Artistes Continue to Feature at Major Sports Events

Burna Boy’s NFL appearance comes amid a series of international sporting events featuring Nigerian music stars.

Ayra Starr is scheduled to headline the halftime show at the NFL London Game on October 11, 2026, when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Other Nigerian artistes have also performed at major global sporting events in recent years.

Davido performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while Tems performed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Rema performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, while Yemi Alade featured during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Femi Kuti performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, while D’banj appeared at the closing ceremony of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kizz Daniel and Patoranking have also performed at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Fan Festival in Qatar, while Wizkid has appeared at events including the World Tennis League and Gamers8 in Saudi Arabia.

With Burna Boy now set for the NFL’s Paris stage, another Nigerian artiste will take Afrobeats to an international sporting audience when the Steelers and Saints meet at the Stade de France on October 25.