By Frank Ulom
Nigerians have reacted to the news that President Bola Tinubu will no longer travel to Abidjan to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON on Sunday.
The news was coming on Saturday after the Presidency announced on Friday that the President would be cheering team Nigeria at the stand on Sunday.
Recall that it has been a tough journey for the Super Eagles who reached the final against all odds and are tipped to lift the trophy after 11 years.
Reacting to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Nigeria Stories which said, “Breaking: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will no longer attend the Africa Cup of Nations’ final match that pitches Nigeria against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan on Sunday,” some Nigerians have expressed joy instead of concern that President Tinubu will be missing out of watching the AFCON final LIVE.
James Anthony wrote: “Congratulations Nigeria the trophy is coming home.”
Elle wrote: “After his colleagues died last week from watching AFCON?
Haa, Baba wan live long enough to show Nigerians shege banza PRO MAX!”
Aloefuna Chinonso wrote: “Better. We don’t need him there. The bad luck and bad name he already has should not be exported to the Super Eagles.
Let him allow them to play. His presence is not needed.”
Lifeissues11 wrote: “Best news of the year. Baba, should stay back and watch it on TV rather than going there to sleep while on camera.”
GuruBeastMedia also wrote: “After terrifying Nigerians and Africans with his near presence….
Shettima’s presence alone almost made Nigeria lose, even at that he still cost several Nigerians their lives… First time since the cup started.”
King Of Dreams wrote: “Baba nor won hear say Match they Tensed He come Collapse.”
African_unifier wrote: “Thanks our ancestors, the best decision he has made in this his administration. bad luck everywhere.”
Julius-LP also wrote: “He cannot watch a full 90 mins football without falling asleep. No be bulaba again? We know am naa.”
Ikokwu Chidozie Ikemba wrote: “Thank God. I’ve visited 6 prayer mountains since the news of his intending landed.”
Fabian E.E wrote: “Finally, the Lord has done it! He can take his bad luck elsewhere.”
Omaricha Adar Da Silva wrote: “Thank You Jesus. He should take his bad vibes somewhere else. They shouldn’t even present the trophy to him, nonsense and ingredients.”
Black-Putin wrote: What’s the importance of him going there, Did he lost his laptop? Or his going there as a backup striker to Osimhen?”
RT Comrade also wrote: “But why? Is on the need for Mr president to be there cuz his presence means a lot and it will inject our great super eagle prayers.”
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Converseer reports that President Bola has directed Vice-President Kashm Shettima to represent him at the final of the 2023 AFCON.
This was revealed by Presidential aide, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Saturday, 9 February 2024, adding that Tinubu assigned Shettima to lead a presidential delegation to the match between Nigeria and the hosts at the Olympic stadium Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday.
According to the Statement, “Recognising the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.
“The federal government calls on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.”
The statement came a few hours after Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, said Tinubu would be in Ivory Coast for the final match.
