A UK-based Nigerian, Ifedayo Johnson, has narrowly lost in a widely followed English language proficiency face-off against a British X (formerly Twitter) user, Angantýr (@BasedNorthmathr), in a contest that drew massive online attention.
The linguistic duel, sparked by a heated immigration debate, unfolded over separate X Spaces on Sunday and was watched live by over 5,000 users. At the end of the challenge, Johnson scored 79 on the EFSET (EF Standard English Test), while his British counterpart scored 83, edging out the Oyo-born Nigerian by just four points.
The controversy began after Angantýr questioned the growing number of Nigerians in the UK care sector, stating, “Why did we make our care sector critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English and each bring with them three dependents?” His comment ignited backlash, prompting Johnson (@Ifedayo_Jimcruz) to issue an open challenge.
“I’m openly challenging you to an English Language skills test,” Johnson tweeted. “This would entail writing, listening, speaking, and reading tests. If your score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours.”
The online community quickly rallied behind the challenge, framing it as a battle not just of grammar, but of national pride and identity.
While the full four-skill test couldn’t be agreed upon due to logistical disagreements, both participants went ahead with the reading and listening segments of the EFSET, which heavily favour native speakers.
Following the results, reactions were mixed. Some Nigerians criticized Johnson’s boastful tone and ultimate loss, while others applauded him for defending the reputation of Nigerians abroad and challenging harmful stereotypes.
Responding to the outcome, Johnson remained undeterred
“I hate to explain as I like how everyone is running their narratives… The challenge was to have the test done in the four basic language skills, but we couldn’t come to terms on that and only did two, which are strong fortes of native speakers.”
He doubled down on his belief in Nigerian excellence, stating, “Let me repeat, Nigerians speak English and they do so very well. Yes, I boasted and I’m still boasting.”
Angantýr, on the other hand, declared victory on X with a brief post: “Honour defended. England conquered.”
The debate originally stemmed from a post by UK doctor and commentator Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford), who highlighted the vital role played by migrant workers in the UK’s care industry, noting that “1 in 5 of the UK’s care workforce have a non-British passport.”
As the dust settles, the online duel has sparked broader conversations around immigration, prejudice, and the global standard of English proficiency with many netizens arguing that proficiency is not always defined by geography or passport, but by education, exposure, and effort.
