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Their names appeared more times than any other Nigerian figure on the search engine, reflecting how politics and sports dominated online conversations in 2025.
The annual report highlights what Nigerians were curious about, from breaking news to entertainment, global issues, and everyday lifestyle questions.
According to Google, millions of people turned to Search to keep up with a fast-changing news cycle, especially as political stories, global conflicts, and major pop culture moments unfolded.
Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, explained that the list is not just about numbers but about what truly held people’s attention this year.
He noted that Search has become a way for Nigerians to understand the world around them from tracking big headlines to learning new slang and keeping up with viral moments.
Political and entertainment figures dominated local searches
At home, Nigerians showed strong interest in a mix of politicians, entertainers, and creators. Besides Natasha Akpoti and Eberechi Eze, other names that recorded high searches include Governor Sim Fubara, actresses Chika Ike and Kemi Adetiba, chef Hilda Baci, singer Mr Eazi, and online personalities like VDM and Priscilla Ojo.
Their activities from political developments to film releases and social media trends kept Nigerians searching throughout the year.
Global stars also caught attention
Nigerian users didn’t limit themselves to local figures. International athletes and entertainers also made the list, with names like Gyokeres, Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Aaron Pierre, and Tyler Perry ranking high.
This shows how global pop culture continues to shape Nigerian online behaviour.
Artists also featured strongly. Aaron Pierre, Juma Jux, Mr Eazi, Chika Ike, and Kemi Adetiba were among the most searched entertainers, reflecting a year filled with new projects, performances, and viral moments.
Curiosity about word meanings remained strong
Nigerians also turned to Google for clarity on trending terms and expressions. Words like “Achalugo,” “allegedly,” and “Labubu” sparked widespread curiosity. These searches often came from social media conversations, jokes, or controversies that pushed people to look for exact meanings online.
Previous trends
In 2024, figures like Bobrisky, Shallipopi, and Khaid dominated searches in entertainment, while national issues such as the U.S. elections, Nigeria’s new national anthem, and power grid concerns led news queries.
Nigerians also searched for movies like A Tribe Called Judah, Treasure In The Sky, Supacell, and Queen of Tears, and asked questions about the dollar-to-naira rate, hair care, and global politics.
What stood out in 2025
This year, Nigerians followed major losses, cultural debates, and big global events more closely. Searches surged after the deaths of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Pope Francis, footballer Diogo Jota, and political commentator Charlie Kirk.
The Israel–Iran conflict, the U.S. elections, and ongoing global tensions also shaped search behaviour.
The Club World Cup, iPhone 17, and the death of Diogo Jota were some of the biggest news topics. Tech gadgets like the Tecno Pop 10, Redmi 14C, Redmi 15C, and Tecno Spark 40 also made strong appearances proof that Nigerians remain curious about the latest phones and devices.
People also asked many identity-related and political questions, including “Who is Charlie Kirk?”, “Who is Seyi Vodi?”, “Who is the new pope?”, and “Who is Tompolo?” Trending concepts such as “What is Labubu?”, “What is state of emergency?”, and
“What is war crime?” also featured prominently.
Food, music, and movies made their mark
Nigerians’ love for food continued to show online. Recipes like martini, ginger shots, chinchin, sausage rolls, hummus, and chickwizz were among the most searched.
In music, songs such as Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough) by Tkeyz ft. Steve Hills, Joy Is Coming by Fido, With You by Davido ft. Omah Lay, Laho by Shallipopi, My Darling by Chella, and Fun by Rema dominated the charts.
Movie lovers also kept search busy with films like Straw, Sinners, Love in Every Word, and G20, showing equal interest in both Nollywood and international films.
