Don’t politicise Sports — Omokri urges Nigerians

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has cautioned against using the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, as a political tool.

In a recent post on his official X handle, Omokri expressed concern over attempts to inject political undertones into the nation’s beloved sport, particularly referencing the team’s activities in Dubai, France, and a presence in Abidjan.

Omokri emphasized the unifying power of sports, especially football, as a force that brings Nigerians together irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. He warned against politicizing this unifying factor, highlighting the potential dangers and perils associated with such a move.

In his statement, Omokri urged those attending matches or supporting the Super Eagles to do so with a spirit of altruism and patriotism, devoid of any political agenda. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to rally behind the national team without allowing political motives to overshadow the unity that sports, particularly football, brings to the nation.

Drawing parallels with the prevalent politicisation in the nation’s economy, military, and society, as well as the contamination of religion for political purposes, Omokri urged caution in extending political influence to the realm of sports.

He specifically called on politicians, including former presidential candidates, to refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could distract or politicize the Super Eagles’ efforts on the field.

He posted, “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.

“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!”