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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Counts: A Story Born from Pain, Poetry, and Power
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is back, and it feels like a long-lost friend has finally returned. After more than a decade since her last novel, Americanah, she gifts us

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Dream Counts a book that is as much about storytelling as it is about survival.
This isn’t just another novel; it’s a deeply personal journey, shaped by grief, self-doubt, and the healing power of words.
Why This Book Feels Different
For years, many of us wondered why Adichie hadn’t written another novel. She kept giving us essays, speeches, and short fiction, but something was missing.
Then, she lost her father in 2020. Less than a year later, her mother passed away too. These tragedies silenced her in a way she had never experienced before.
In a recent New York Times interview, she admitted she thought she might never write fiction again. But poetry saved her.
In the depths of grief, she turned to poetry not for publication, but for herself. And slowly, those poems led her back to storytelling. That’s how Dream Counts was born.
What’s Dream Counts About?
This book tells the story of four African women, Chiamaka (Chia), Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou each dealing with love, loss, ambition, and identity. Their lives intertwine in ways that feel both unexpected and deeply real.

Dream count
Adichie has always been a master of human emotions, and here, she explores:
- Sisterhood and female solidarity: How women uplift, challenge, and sometimes betray each other.
- Diaspora struggles: The balance between longing for home and embracing new worlds.
- Love, power, and justice: What it means to fight for yourself in a world that tries to silence you.
One of the most talked-about characters, Kadiatou, is inspired by Nafissatou Diallo, the woman who accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.
Reading Dream Counts Feels Like…
Reading this book is like sitting across from Adichie herself and listening to her tell a story over tea. The words flow effortlessly, the emotions hit hard, and the characters feel like people you know.

It’s the kind of novel that makes you pause, reflect, and sometimes even whisper, I’ve felt this before.
There’s pain here, but there’s also hope. There’s loss, but also strength. And more than anything,
there’s the reminder that even in the darkest times, stories still count and so do our dreams.
Why You Should Read It
If you’ve ever loved an Adichie novel, this one will feel like home. If you’ve ever felt lost, it will remind you of your strength.
And if you’ve ever doubted your own voice, Dream Counts will make you believe in its power again.
Chimamanda is back. And she has something important to say.
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Inside Wunmi Mosaku’s Teal-Eyed BAFTA Night and Her Best Supporting Actress Win
Wunmi Mosaku attended the 79th British Academy Film Awards on February 22, 2026, in a royal blue custom gown made by Ahluwalia. Wunmi won best supporting actress for her role as Annie in “Sinners”,the supernatural thriller directed by Ryan Coogler. The film also earned multiple awards that day, including Original Screenplay and Original Score.
The look was a one-shoulder long gown crafted with layers of fringe and a thigh-high slit. The dress was specially designed by Shameelah Hicks to accommodate her pregnancy. She accessorized the outfit with silver strappy heels from Stuart Weitzman and silver statement jewelry from Moussaieff: large silver hoop earrings and rings on both fingers.

Photo Credit – karisbeau
Her makeup was done by Joyadenuga in a soft-glam look with her with teal eye shadow highlighting and complementing the royal blue of the dress, defined brows and neutral glossy lips. Her hair was styled in a structured updo with volume at the crown and sides. Her images were captured by Karisbeau.
When her name was announced as the winner, she walked up to the stage, held the BAFTA trophy carefully, and gave a warm speech. She spoke about her role in “Sinners,” she also thanked her family and shared how much the character meant to her.

Photo Credit – karisbeau
Mosaku has built a steady career with notable performances in films and series including “His House” and “Lovecraft County.” This BAFTA win recognized her role in “Sinners”. Her gown featured fringe detailing and tailored fit, paired with matching accessories and teal eye shadow.
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History Made! Eniola Bolaji Becomes Africa’s First Para-Badminton World No. 1
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Badminton World Federation released its latest para-badminton rankings and Eniola Bolaji Mariam was at the top. The Nigerian athlete is now the Women’s SL3 World No. 1, the first African, to ever reach that position.
The ranking came after her silver medal at the 2026 World Para-Badminton Championship in Bahrain. On February 14, she played the final at the New Capital Hall and lost 2-0 to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, with scores of 21-12 and 21-17. That silver medal, added to her gold at the Egypt International in January, her second consecutive title at that tournament, gave her enough ranking points to overtake Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh and move to the top spot.

Bolaji Eniola Mariam – Instagram
She is also the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship, and the first athlete under any affiliate of the National Sports Commission to reach world No. 1 in any sport.
This is not the first time Bolaji has broken a record. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she won bronze in the women’s SL3 event, making her the first African to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics.
BFN President Francis Orbih said after the ranking was confirmed:
“This is the biggest news of the year, with History Made! Eniola Bolaji Becomes Africa’s First Para-Badminton World No. 1 Bolaji claiming the world No. 1 spot following her participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games. She would likely have attained this position earlier if she had competed in more tournaments last year. She regained full stability last season and has carried that momentum into this year with outstanding performances.”
Bolaji not winning gold in Bahrain, Orbih stated: “I know many Nigerians were expecting another gold medal, but we must recognise that other players are equally determined to dethrone her. She has now become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship.”

Bolaji Eniola Mariam – Instagram
Orbih also credited the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics, saying their support had created the environment for Nigerian para-badminton players to compete and succeed at the highest level.
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Ugo Ugochukwu Crowned 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Champion
American‑Nigerian driver Ugo Ugochukwu, 18-year-old son of supermodel Oluchi Onweagba, has claimed the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship after an impressive season in New Zealand. Following a season campaign with four wins and 326 points, he overcame technical setbacks to finish 15 points ahead of Audi Formula 1 junior Freddie Slater, securing the title.
Ugo’s rise in motorsport has progressed quickly for an 18-year-old. Before Oceania, he claimed multiple wins in Italian and British Formula 4, finished runner-up in the Italian F4 Championship, and won at the Macau Grand Prix in 2024, becoming the first American driver to win the event in over 40 years.

Ugo Ugochukwu: Instagram
His 2026 season was defined by consistent pace, strategic racecraft, and resilience under pressure. Despite mechanical challenges, the 18-year-old delivered podium finishes that ultimately secured the championship.
The Formula Regional Oceania Championship, known for its competitive field and challenging tracks, has served as a proving ground for future Formula 1 stars. At just 18, Ugo’s triumph positions him for further opportunities in Europe and beyond, signaling the start of a potentially remarkable racing career.
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