

Uyo, Akwa Ibom—Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has sparked controversy with his praise for the Super Eagles despite their disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Obi, who traveled to Uyo to watch the match, commended the players for their “resilience and sportsmanship,” insisting that their performance reflected the true Nigerian spirit. In a post on X.com, he acknowledged that while the team failed to secure a win, their determination had won the hearts of Nigerians.
However, his remarks have divided opinions. While some fans appreciated his encouragement, others slammed him for what they perceived as an attempt to sugarcoat a lackluster performance that further jeopardized Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
With the Super Eagles struggling in their qualifying campaign, critics argue that Obi’s comments overlook the team’s glaring weaknesses, including poor coordination, lack of creativity, and failure to close out games. Meanwhile, his supporters view his message as an example of positive leadership, calling for unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As frustrations mount among Nigerian football fans, Obi’s stance has only added fuel to the heated debate over whether the Super Eagles deserve praise or tough criticism for their performance.