Chibuchi Francis Wins Bronze at World Championships of Performing Arts

Twelve-year-old Nigerian actor Chibuchi David Francis has made the country proud by winning a bronze medal in the Acting category (Ages 11–12) at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

The annual international talent competition, often called the “Entertainment Olympics,” took place from July 13 to 21 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. It drew performers from more than 80 countries competing across disciplines including acting, singing, dancing, modelling, instrumental performance and other creative fields.

Chibuchi represented Team Nigeria under the leadership of Ambassador Lovethpatra White Ekufu, National Director of WCOPA Team Nigeria and Founder of Street2Fame Nigeria Performing Arts Entertainment (SNPAE). His participation was fully sponsored by the organisation as part of its talent development programme aimed at giving gifted young Nigerians international exposure.

Reacting to the achievement, Ekufu described the bronze medal as proof of the world-class potential of Nigerian youth when they receive proper support and opportunities. “The bronze medal won by Chibuchi David Francis proves that Nigerian youths possess world-class talent. When young people are given the opportunity to dream, prepare and compete, they can excel on the global stage,” she said.

Street2Fame Nigeria Performing Arts Entertainment has reaffirmed its commitment to building a structured nationwide talent pipeline through state and zonal championships, national competitions, professional training, mentorship and continued Nigerian participation at WCOPA. The organisation also plans to create more international pathways and continental championships for young African performers.

Chibuchi’s success highlights the growing depth of Nigeria’s young creative talent and the value of platforms that give children the chance to compete on the world stage. The achievement has been widely celebrated in Nigerian media as an inspiring example of what is possible with the right backing.