Akinwande Remilekun Jordan’s inclusion on the 2026 Caine Prize shortlist brings back the familiar excitement and hope of seeing the prize return to Nigeria. Jordan, a Nigerian writer, critic and editor, is shortlisted for “So Long It’s Starting To Look Like Eternity,” a story published in the anthology A House That’s Not A Home. His work moves across literature, cinema, culture and politics, often examining how art reflects and contests the social worlds that produce it. For Jordan, the recognition offers the “somewhat consoling possibility” that his “private enthusiasms are not entirely private” and that his work has entered “the grander republic of reading.”
Jordan’s shortlist appearance also places him in the company of a distinguished tradition of Nigerian Caine Prize winners. Helon Habila won in 2001 for “Love Poems,” followed by Segun Afolabi in 2005 for “Monday Morning,” E. C. Osondu in 2009 for “Waiting,” Rotimi Babatunde in 2012 for “Bombay’s Republic,” and Tope Folarin in 2013 for “Miracle.” Lesley Nneka Arimah won in 2019 for “Skinned,” while Irenosen Okojie followed in 2020 with “Grace Jones.” Other Nigerians, including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Uwem Akpan, and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, have also been shortlisted, reinforcing Nigeria’s longstanding presence in the prize’s history. Together, they represent seven Nigerian winners of the Caine Prize and a literary tradition Jordan now joins as he competes for the award.
Jordan’s story has already received praise from its editors. Kingsley Alumona of Naira Books describes its language as one that “reads like poetry,” praising its pace and the unfamiliar territory into which it leads the reader. He also highlights the story’s exploration of a complex issue faced by contemporary married couples and its ending, which leaves readers wondering what might have come next. With Jordan now competing alongside Gladwell Pamba, Melara Mvogdobo, Yasmine Zhodi and Simbarashe Kudizeza, Nigerian readers have another reason to watch this year’s prize with anticipation. The winner will receive £10,000, while each shortlisted writer receives £500.
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