A UK-based Nigerian, Ifedayo Johnson, recently lost a widely followed online English proficiency contest to a British X (formerly Twitter) user, following a heated immigration debate that sparked the challenge.
Johnson, originally from Oyo State, faced off with a British user known as Angantýr (@BasedNorthmathr) in an English test hosted through the EFSET platform. Johnson scored 79 points, while his British opponent edged him out with a score of 83.
The friendly yet competitive test, which assessed reading and listening skills, took place on separate X Spaces on Sunday and drew an audience of over 5,000 viewers.
The challenge originated after Angantýr stirred controversy with a post suggesting the UK’s care sector had become overly reliant on Nigerian workers “who barely speak English,” and who, in his words, “each bring with them three dependents.”
In response, Johnson (@Ifedayo_Jimcruz) condemned the remark as disrespectful and publicly dared Angantýr to take a full English language proficiency test — one that would cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
“If your overall score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours,” Johnson tweeted. “But if I score higher than you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and never again question or disrespect the English Language skills of any Nigerian.”
While the test ultimately included only reading and listening components — areas typically considered strengths for native speakers — the result sparked a flood of reactions online. Many Nigerians expressed disappointment over Johnson’s narrow loss, while others praised his courage for stepping up to challenge stereotypes.
Clarifying the outcome on social media, Johnson noted that the original plan for a comprehensive four-skill assessment was not fully realized.
“I love how people are running their narratives. It was expected. The test ended up covering just two skills, which naturally favor native speakers,” he wrote. “But let me be clear: Nigerians speak English — and they speak it well. I made my case, and I still stand by it.”
Meanwhile, Angantýr wasted no time in celebrating his victory online, declaring, “Honour defended. England conquered.”
The online drama traces back to a broader debate on immigration, ignited by a post from UK-based doctor Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford), who highlighted the value of migrant care workers in Britain. “1 in 5 of the UK’s care workforce have a non-British passport. Starmer would have us believe these carers are the ‘squalid’ result of a ‘failed experiment.’ I say they do vital, skilled, humane work and are worth their weight in gold,” she tweeted.
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