The anticipation is palpable. As the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature draws to a close, the literary world holds its breath, awaiting the final verdict. The shortlist of three—Nikki May’s This Motherless Land, Chigozie Obioma’s The Road to the Country, and Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya—presents a triumvirate of unparalleled talent, each book a deserving contender for the coveted $100,000 prize.
The journey to this point began with the longlist of 11 novels, unveiled at the CORA Book Party on August 3. It was, as Toyin Akinosho, Secretary-General of the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), described, a gathering of “the best writers in Nigeria’s literary firmament.”
Among the 11 authors were two past winners: Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, who won in 2016 for Season of Crimson Blossoms, and Chika Unigwe, the 2012 laureate for On Black Sisters’ Street. Their inclusion underscores the prize’s role in fostering a dynamic literary ecosystem where even established authors return to compete and engage with the community. This was a point Akinosho made forcefully at the Book Party, pushing back against the notion that past winners should not be allowed to contest. He argued that such “lamentations” fail to appreciate the prize as an “enabler” for community building and a platform for continuous growth, citing multiple-time contestants like Henry Akubuiro, Jude Idada and Obari Gomba, and even Advisory Board members such as Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo and Professor Ahmed Yerima, who have won and returned to the competition.
The chairman of the Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo, described the 11 longlisted books as excellent entries, adding that the challenges the judges faced this year in narrowing a list of 252 entries down to just three were unprecedented.
The 11 novels on the longlist showcase a breathtaking range of themes and narratives, taking readers on diverse journeys through the “Nigerian heartland.” From a family dispute in South Africa in Yewande Omotoso’s An Unusual Grief to the anxieties of a pregnant teenager in Eastern Nigeria in Chioma Okereke’s Water Baby, the stories cover a vast socio-cultural landscape. The narratives explored historical accounts of pre-colonial African empires, social inquiries into youth angst, and imagined spiritual bases for a Southwesterner fighting in the Biafran War. The sheer diversity of these stories, originating from authors spanning all corners of Nigeria—east, west, south-south, middle belt, and core north—demonstrated the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that Nigerian writers are bringing to the fore.
The Advisory Board has lauded the “masterful plotting, characterisation, and good command of language” of the shortlisted works.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo said: “The shortlist before us is exceptional. Each work distinguishes itself through masterful plotting, characterisation, and a good command of language that transports readers into imagined worlds. These are not merely stories—they are carefully woven realities. They are compelling in their beauty, stirring in their emotional resonance, and unflinching in their engagement with familiar yet urgent societal issues. The way the writers handled and resolved conflict highlights their skill and literary standing, making these works quite outstanding.
“Our task, therefore, is clear. It is to choose the most deserving laureate for The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025. This cycle has been one of the most competitive yet, with every entry showing an impressive level of excellence that stretched our judgement to the limit. Still, we remain committed to excellence, honouring outstanding writings and keeping alive the vital conversation around Nigerian literature.”
While the judges have praised all three works, a closer look at each finalist reveals compelling arguments for why each author could emerge victorious on October 10. The eventual winner will be judged not only on their narrative prowess but also on the depth of their themes, the originality of their voice, and the lasting impact of their story.
Chigozie Obioma is no stranger to literary accolades. His first two novels, The Fishermen and An Orchestra of Minorities, were both Booker Prize finalists, testament to his established and internationally recognised talent. His very presence on this shortlist elevates the competition, signalling a master craftsman at the peak of his powers. The Road to the Country is a powerful, sprawling odyssey that masterfully navigates one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts: the Nigerian Civil War.
The core argument for Obioma’s victory lies in his proven ability to blend the personal with the political, creating a narrative that is both epic and deeply intimate. The story of Kunle’s search for his brother is a universal tale of brotherhood, love and courage set against a backdrop of historical trauma. The judges noted that the novel “masterfully explores alternative realities alongside a captivating story,” speaking to Obioma’s distinct and ambitious narrative style. He pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling by weaving in elements of mysticism and folklore, such as the character of the Seer who marks Kunle as an abami eda (one who will die and return to life). This unique approach not only makes the story more compelling but also serves to explore the spiritual and psychological dimensions of war, a perspective often overlooked in historical fiction.
Furthermore, Obioma’s work has been translated into 30 languages, indicating global appeal and significant contribution to world literature. Winning the Nigeria Prize for Literature would not only be well-deserved recognition of his latest work but also a crowning achievement for a writer who has consistently and brilliantly put Nigerian stories on the world stage. His victory would signify a choice for a literary voice that is both profoundly Nigerian and universally resonant, testament to the prize’s mission of promoting excellence and creativity.
Nikki May’s This Motherless Land is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that tackles complex themes of identity, family, and displacement. May, an Anglo-Nigerian writer, brings a unique dual perspective to her work, a quality the judges have rightly praised, noting that she “successfully straddles the cultures of two different countries.” Her debut novel, Wahala, won the Comedy Women In Print New Voice Prize and is being adapted into a major BBC TV series, demonstrating her ability to capture a wide audience and produce commercially successful work.
The strength of This Motherless Land lies in its deeply human and relatable story. The narrative, split between England and Nigeria, follows two cousins, Funke and Liv, whose lives are intertwined by shared family history and torn apart by tragedy. This focus on the nuances of human relationships—the quiet bonds, the silent betrayals, and the enduring power of family—is where May excels. Her prose is described as “emotionally charged and alluring,” with “riveting” characters. This is a crucial distinction. While other works may explore grand, historical narratives, May’s novel drills down into the personal and emotional landscape, showing how major life events shape individual destinies.
A victory for Nikki May would be a nod to a new wave of Nigerian writers who are navigating globalised identities and telling stories that resonate with diaspora audiences. Her work reflects the reality of a generation that exists between worlds, and her success would affirm the prize’s inclusivity and forward-looking vision. It would honour a writer who, with unflinching honesty and lyrical precision, is exploring the quiet traumas and triumphant moments that define modern existence, making her a formidable and deserving candidate.
Oyin Olugbile is the wildcard on this shortlist, representing a fresh, new voice in Nigerian fiction. Her novel, Sanya, stands out for its unique blend of African myth, fantasy, and spirituality, a genre that is gaining significant traction in contemporary African literature. The judges’ description of the book as a “fascinating novel” with a plot that “grabs attention” and is “unrelenting at keeping the story pacey and intriguing” suggests a work that is both original and captivating.
The argument for Olugbile’s win rests on the novel’s creative audacity and its contribution to expanding the scope of Nigerian literary themes. Sanya reimagines African myths and matriarchal power, delving into spiritual memory and intergenerational transformation. It offers a refreshing departure from the conventional social realism and historical fiction often celebrated by literary prizes. The story of a young woman with incredible powers, whose life and identity become a catalyst for a deadly war, is a compelling metaphor for the conflicts that arise when ancient traditions clash with modern aspirations.
Olugbile’s victory would be a bold choice by the Nigeria Prize for Literature. It would signal recognition of fantasy and speculative fiction as serious and powerful vehicles for exploring culturally-relevant themes. It would encourage a new generation of writers to tap into the rich tapestry of African folklore and mythology, proving that these stories are not just relics of the past but living, breathing narratives that can address contemporary issues. For a prize committed to “honouring outstanding writings and keeping alive the vital conversation around Nigerian literature,” choosing Sanya would be a powerful statement about the diversity and evolving nature of the literary landscape.
Each of the three finalists presents a compelling case for victory. Obioma brings a seasoned, internationally acclaimed voice with masterful command of historical narrative. May offers a powerful, emotionally resonant story of diaspora and identity that speaks to a new generation of readers. Olugbile introduces a fresh, genre-bending narrative that challenges literary conventions and celebrates the richness of African folklore.
While the judges’ decision will be difficult, the fact that these three books have made it this far is a victory in itself. They represent the very best of Nigerian prose writing, exploring themes that are “exciting, entertaining and instructive.” The October 10 announcement will not only crown a winner but will also cement the legacy of these three outstanding works, ensuring their place in the pantheon of great Nigerian literature.
