Google Unveils 2025 Search Trends: Natasha Akpoti, Eberechi Eze Top Nigeria’s List

Google’s 2025 Year in Search report has revealed the biggest topics, personalities, and moments that shaped online conversations in Nigeria this year, with Senator Natasha Akpoti and Super Eagles, eligible footballer Eberechi Eze emerging as the most searched Nigerian personalities.

In the annual data release, Google highlighted the wide range of issues and curiosities that occupied Nigerians throughout 2025—from politics and entertainment to global conflicts, technology trends, and cultural moments. The company noted that searches throughout the year reflected a population trying to keep pace with rapid political changes, viral conversations, and major international events.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, said the report offers more than raw statistics and instead paints a picture of what truly captured the country’s attention. According to him, Nigerians consistently turned to Search to understand breaking news, honor the memories of influential figures, explore lifestyle interests, and decode internet culture. He noted that Senator Natasha Akpoti’s rise to the top of the list underscores how central political debates were throughout the year.

Beyond the local political space, Nigerians also followed global developments closely. The Israel–Iran war and the United States elections featured prominently among the year’s biggest international search topics, reflecting widespread anxiety and curiosity about global geopolitical events. The report further revealed interest in global personalities such as Gyokeres, Garnacho, Aaron Pierre, Joao Pedro and filmmaker Tyler Perry.

On the home front, Google reported strong interest in a diverse range of Nigerian public figures. Alongside Akpoti and Eberechi Eze, personalities like Governor Sim Fubara, actress Chika Ike, music executive Mr Eazi, filmmaker Kemi Adetiba, chef Hilda Baci, content creator VDM, and influencer Priscilla Ojo attracted significant search traffic. These figures shaped conversations across politics, entertainment, sport, cuisine, and pop culture.

Entertainment also played a major role in shaping Nigerians’ online activity. Search trends showed high curiosity around actors and creatives such as Juma Jux, Aaron Pierre, Chika Ike, Mr Eazi, and Kemi Adetiba. Nigerians also sought meanings of trending words such as “Achalugo,” “allegedly,” and “Labubu,” showing continued interest in decoding slang and cultural expressions that dominated conversations across social platforms.

Google’s analysis also highlighted what changed from previous years. In 2024, personalities like Bobrisky topped the charts, while Shallipopi and Khaid dominated music-related searches. Key news drivers included the U.S. elections, the return of the old national anthem, and concerns about the national grid. Popular entertainment content included films and series like A Tribe Called Judah, Damsel, Supacell, and Queen of Tears.

The 2025 report shows a deeper engagement with political, technological, and international issues. Nigerians searched extensively for information following the deaths of major figures including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Pope Francis, footballer Diogo Jota, and American activist Charlie Kirk. Top news searches were dominated by the Club World Cup, Buhari, Jota, Kirk, and the iPhone 17.

Technology-related curiosity surged this year as Nigerians sought details about devices such as the iPhone 17, Tecno Pop 10, Redmi 14C, Redmi 15C, and Tecno Spark 40. Search data revealed a population that remains enthusiastic about new gadgets and emerging tech trends.

Daily questions also defined the year’s search habits. Nigerians frequently asked: “Who is Charlie Kirk?”, “Who is Seyi Vodi?”, “Who is the new pope?”, and “Who is Tompolo?” Other common questions sought clarity on trending cultural terms such as “What is Labubu?”, “What is state of emergency?”, “What is war crime?”, and “What is the meaning of Kelebu?”.

Culinary curiosity was another recurring theme. Recipes such as martini, ginger shots, chinchin, sausage rolls, hummus, and chickwizz trended among users looking for new food ideas. Music searches reflected strong engagement across genres, with popular songs including Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough) by Tkeyz featuring Steve Hills, Joy Is Coming by Fido, With You by Davido featuring Omah Lay, Laho by Shallipopi, My Darling by Chella, and Fun by Rema.

Film and cinema continued to capture wide interest as Nigerians explored movies such as Straw, Sinners, Love in Every Word, and G20, demonstrating curiosity across both local and global productions.

Google’s 2025 Year in Search report ultimately reflects a society deeply engaged with its politics, culture, and the wider world, using Search as a tool to stay informed, entertained, and connected to unfolding events.