Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed in London on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, that Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior and Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown are discussing a visit to Nigeria with him.
Burna Boy made the revelation during an interview with ESPN UK, explaining that the three celebrities are part of a private group chat they call their “Seven group chat”.
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“Now we have a 7 team. It’s me, Vini, and I don’t know if you know Jaylen Brown,” Burna Boy said.
The singer explained that conversations in the group cover several subjects, but a recent discussion centred on bringing Vinícius and Brown to Nigeria.
“The last conversation we had is bringing all of them to Nigeria,” he said.
The prospect of the football and basketball stars visiting Nigeria adds an intriguing dimension to Burna Boy’s longstanding links with international sports figures.
The singer has previously spoken about friendships with athletes including former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and England captain Harry Kane.
Burna Boy recalled meeting Pogba at his 30th birthday celebration in the United States after the former France midfielder unexpectedly turned up at his home.
His meeting with Kane was similarly informal. Burna Boy said he encountered the England captain at his uncle’s birthday dinner and eventually invited him to the party.
“We just ran into him having dinner. And, yeah, just dragged him to the party,” he said.
The singer also used the interview to discuss his investment in youth football in Nigeria.
Burna Boy said he was inspired to establish his football academy after watching a documentary about community football in Jamaica.
He said his ambition is to give young Nigerian players a pathway towards elite European football, including clubs such as Manchester United.
“So I just started throwing my money at it,” Burna Boy said.
His football interests have also shaped his relationships with prominent players.
During the interview, Burna Boy named former Nigeria international Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha as his football greatest of all time, arguing that the former Bolton Wanderers midfielder has not received enough recognition for his influence.
“Because I feel like he hasn’t gotten the flowers that he deserves,” Burna Boy said.
He went further by suggesting that Okocha’s name should be mentioned ahead of Brazilian icon Ronaldinho when discussing the game’s greatest players.
“I think you should even call Jay-Jay Okocha’s name before you call Ronaldinho,” he said.
A potential Nigeria visit by Vinícius and Brown would bring together two of the biggest names in football and basketball with one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised music stars.
Also read: Ogogo alive as family denies death Reports Amid Cancer Battle
For Burna Boy, the idea also fits naturally with his growing interest in creating opportunities for young Nigerian footballers.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.

























