Meet Suo Chapele, SuperSport’s pidgin World Cup commentator

Chief Suo Chapele, the pidgin commentator for SuperSport during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, is capturing attention not just for her football analysis but for a voice that has sparked widespread confusion. Many listeners have noted a strong resemblance between Chapele's commentary and that of popular Nigerian comedian Real Warri Pikin. This similarity has been so pronounced that some of the comedian's relatives have reportedly mistaken Chapele's broadcasts for her own voice.

To clear the air, Real Warri Pikin, whose real name is Anita Asuoha, released a video clarifying that she is not the one providing commentary for the World Cup matches. The confusion highlights the unique and engaging style Chapele brings to sports broadcasting, making her a notable voice of the tournament.

Born Tracy Chapele-Ugo, Chapele grew up in Warri, Nigeria, experiencing what she describes as a blend of "waterside culture, big southern vibes and religious piety." The 14th of 18 children, she was raised by parents who encouraged sports and reading. Her educational journey included several schools in Nigeria before she pursued higher education in the UK.

Chapele's passion for football ignited in childhood, and she credits seeing another commentator, Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke, during the 2010 World Cup as a pivotal moment that convinced her sports presenting was a viable career path. Her entry into pidgin commentary was somewhat accidental. After interviewing for both English and pidgin roles at Brila FM in 2014, she spontaneously switched to pidgin for her presentation when she had never done so professionally before. This quick thinking, possibly driven by the shorter pidgin queue or the need for employment around her son's first birthday, led to her building a successful solo pidgin sports show within five months.

She has since become a recognized figure on SuperSport, covering major leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, as well as international tournaments. Her work has even gained international recognition, with Germany's Ministry of Art and Culture inviting her to have her pidgin commentary curated in a Berlin museum exhibition. Chapele also holds a chieftaincy title, Chief Chapele Ugo, bestowed upon her in Delta State, making her the first woman in the Udu Kingdom to inherit such a traditional title from her father.