By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
Social Media influencer, Reno Omokri has warned politicians against using the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to play politics.
Recall that some notable Nigerian politicians, such as the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu amongst others stormed the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to cheer the Super Eagles, who defeated Angola 1-0 in the first quarterfinal of the 2023 AFCON.
Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and other Nigerian fans cheering the Super Eagles
Reacting to an alleged politicization of Super Eagles’ campaign in the AFCON match, Mr. Omokri in a post via his X handle on Saturday, said if any one wants to support the national team, it should be altruistic, patriotic and devoid of any political agenda.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio (APC-Akwa-Ibom), Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) and other dignitaries during Super Eagles match against Angola in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.
He said: “I am not sure it is wise to use the Super Eagles to play politics by making reference to Dubai, France and someone being in Abidjan.
“Sports, especially football, is one of the few things that unite us as a country. To politicise it is perilous. If anyone was in Ivory Coast to cheer our boys, let it be altruistic and patriotic. Without an agenda.
President Bola Tinubu in France encouraging the Super eagles ahead of their match against Angola
“Our economy, military and society are heavily politicised. Even religion has been contaminated. Some politicians turned churches that should be a sanctuary into a platform for a declaration of religious war and a call for Christians to “take back their country”. Now, they have turned their attention to sports.
“Must we also politicise this one pure and innocent thing about Nigeria? Perhaps politicians, especially former Presidential candidates, can refrain from putting out anything, either directly or indirectly, that may cause even the slightest distraction to the Super Eagles.
“The nation is united behind them. Please, don’t use politics to spoil that unity!
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