A viral image circulating on Facebook and other social platforms shows Nigerian footballer Akor Adams kneeling and presenting a trophy to global music star Rihanna, who appears to be wearing a Super Eagles jersey.
The post claims Rihanna travelled from the United States to support Nigeria at AFCON and was honoured with a bronze cup, becoming emotional during the presentation.
Given the public profiles involved, we examined the claim closely.
WHAT WE CHECKED
We reviewed the viral image and its visual details.
We checked official AFCON protocols and awards.
We reviewed the social media pages and public appearances of Akor Adams and Rihanna.
We searched for coverage from credible sports and entertainment media.
WHAT WE FOUND
The image shows Akor Adams kneeling to present a trophy to Rihanna.
The caption claims the act honoured Rihanna for supporting the Super Eagles at AFCON.
However, there is no record of any interaction between Akor Adams and Rihanna, either at AFCON or elsewhere.
Akor Adams did score goals during AFCON, including notable performances against Algeria and Mozambique.
Rihanna, on the other hand, is a Barbadian American artist with no known public affiliation with the Super Eagles or the AFCON tournament.
We found no evidence that Rihanna attended AFCON in any capacity.
There is no credible sports or entertainment coverage reporting her presence at the tournament.
Major moments involving Rihanna typically attract global media attention.
This alleged event received none.
ABOUT THE “BRONZE CUP” CLAIM
AFCON does not award a bronze cup to spectators or supporters.
Players receive medals, not trophies, for third place finishes.
There is no official AFCON bronze trophy that matches the design shown in the viral image.
ABOUT THE IMAGE ITSELF
The image shows clear signs of digital manipulation.
Lighting, facial detail, and proportions appear inconsistent with natural photography.
The trophy design does not align with any official AFCON award.
Viral pages frequently use AI generated or edited images paired with emotional captions to drive engagement.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
Rihanna is not Nigerian and has never publicly claimed Nigerian nationality.
There is no record of her travelling from the US to support the Super Eagles at AFCON.
No credible media outlet has reported such an event.
VERDICT
The claim that Akor Adams presented an AFCON bronze trophy to Rihanna is FALSE.
The image is fabricated, and the story attached to it is fictional.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Fabricated images tied to public figures distort public understanding and erode trust in real sports achievements.
Verifying viral content remains essential.
