Nigeria: Apology over incorrect AI-edited image in Team Nigeria Spelling Bee story

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Vanguard Media Limited has issued a public apology for an editorial error in its coverage of Team Nigeria’s win at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup.

In a statement released on July 30, 2026, the company said a story published on July 31, 2026, titled _“Nigerian Students Champions at 2025 Spelling Bee World Cup in China,”_ was illustrated with the wrong image.

According to Vanguard, the photograph used was an AI-edited version that contained incorrect facial representations. The error was brought to the attention of the newsroom after publication.

Upon being notified, Vanguard said it immediately took down the incorrect image and replaced it with the correct photograph that had been approved by those involved.

The outlet specifically apologized to Miss Maryam Yusuf and Mrs. Waliyah Adekunle Akeju-Ahmed, who were misrepresented in the earlier version of the report.

“We sincerely regret the error and tender our unreserved apology to Miss Maryam Yusuf and Mrs. Waliyah Adekunle Akeju-Ahmed for the incorrect facial representations contained in the earlier version of the report,” the statement read. “We regret any inconvenience or distress this may have caused.”

Vanguard added that it remains committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and responsible journalism.

The mix-up highlights a growing challenge in newsrooms worldwide as AI-generated and AI-edited images become more common in digital publishing. Even celebratory stories can cause harm when visuals are not properly verified.

Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in China was widely celebrated in Nigeria as a major achievement for the students and the country. The correction ensures that the recognition is now attached to the right images of the participants.

Vanguard closed its apology by reaffirming its responsibility to its readers and to the individuals featured in its stories.