Comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has criticised Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze and the national team following Nigeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria lost 4 to 2 on penalties to hosts Morocco in their semifinal clash in Rabat on Wednesday, ending their bid for a fourth continental title.
Reacting on Instagram in the early hours of Thursday, Bovi accused the Super Eagles players of showing a nonchalant attitude, particularly during the penalty shootout. He singled out Chukwueze over the manner in which he took his kick and claimed the team lacked focus and commitment.
Bovi also alleged that the players were distracted by social media attention, praise from fans and unresolved issues around unpaid match bonuses, which he said affected their passion for the national assignment.
He urged players to turn down invitations to the national team if they were not ready to give total commitment.
He said, “Football is the only thing that unites Nigeria. So dear Super Eagles and intending Super Eagles, have it in mind that if you are playing for Nigeria, regardless of how the NFF treats you, understand that you have the potential to unite Nigerians.
“I forgive Samuel Chukwueze for missing a penalty. But you need to understand that the weight of a nation lies in your hands. But if you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will become the victim…
“Don’t come to the Super Eagles if you know you are not ready to give everything for the nation. If NFF delays your payment, let it go. Social media has distracted you all, and the praise got to your heads. Not just from this tournament, but also previous tournaments. You don’t understand that the fans don’t like you, they like what you do.”
Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and has since fallen short at different stages of the competition, often amid debates over player commitment and administration under the Nigeria Football Federation.
