She Was Only 26 and Preparing for Her First Solo Concert—Then a Snake Bite Changed Everything 💔
Ifunanya Nwangene, known professionally as Nanyah, was a rising Nigerian singer whose voice had already earned her recognition on The Voice Nigeria.
She was only 26 years old and was preparing for what could have been an exciting new chapter in her music career.
Then, on January 31, 2026, tragedy struck inside her home in Abuja.
She Woke Up to a Snake Bite
According to reports, Ifunanya was sleeping at her apartment when she was suddenly bitten by a snake.
She woke up and reportedly saw the snake near her.
She immediately sought medical help.
Reports said she initially went to a medical facility where there were concerns about the availability of antivenom before she was transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja.
Two Snakes Were Reportedly Found
What happened next made the story even more frightening.
People who went to Ifunanya’s apartment reportedly discovered two snakes inside the home, with reports identifying one as a cobra.
The singer was meanwhile fighting for her life at the hospital.
Her Condition Deteriorated Quickly
At the Federal Medical Centre, doctors said Ifunanya had developed severe neurotoxic complications from the snake bite.
The hospital says its medical team provided emergency treatment, including resuscitation, intravenous fluids, oxygen and polyvalent anti-snake venom. According to the hospital, her condition suddenly deteriorated despite those efforts, and attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
She died on January 31, 2026.
She was just 26.
Her Death Sparked Questions
After her death, reports circulated claiming that delays or shortages of antivenom had contributed to the tragedy.
But the Federal Medical Centre strongly rejected claims that it failed to provide antivenom or appropriate treatment. The hospital said it administered polyvalent antivenom and that her death resulted from severe neurotoxic complications following the bite.
The conflicting accounts sparked a wider conversation in Nigeria about emergency snakebite treatment and access to lifesaving medicines.
A Singer With Dreams Still Ahead
Ifunanya had become known to many Nigerians through The Voice Nigeria, where she showcased her powerful singing ability.
She was also a member of the Amemuso Choir, which described her as a rising star who was on the verge of sharing her talent with an even wider audience.
Reports said she had been preparing for her first solo concert and working on new music.
Instead of stepping onto a stage to begin that next chapter, her family, friends and fellow musicians were left mourning her sudden death.
A young woman with a promising future was gone in a matter of hours.
Ifunanya Nwangene was only 26. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of how suddenly life can change. 🕊️💔
