British-Nigerian rapper Dave has stirred controversy after taking a subtle jab at Nigerian footballers in one of the songs from his new album, “The Boy Who Plays the Harp.”

On the track titled ‘Chapter 16,’ Dave compared women who lie about their age to Nigerian strikers, rapping:

“H*es lying about their age like Nigerian strikers.”

The line immediately sparked debate online, with many fans—especially Nigerians—criticising the rapper for what they described as a careless generalisation.

Interestingly, Dave, though born in the UK, is of Nigerian descent, with both parents hailing from Edo State. He has also collaborated with several Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and most recently Tems on his latest project.

While some fans found humour in the line, others said it reinforces negative stereotypes about Nigerian athletes—especially since age-cheating scandals have long plagued the country’s football system, from grassroots to national levels.

Nigeria has, in fact, disbanded the U-17 team in the past due to widespread issues with falsified ages.