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The decision of former Nigerian internationals to endorse Bola Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, for president in 2023, has elicited angry reactions from Nigerians on microblogging site, Twitter, with many berating them over the move.
A video of the former footballers, including Pastor Taribo West, a former Nigerian defender, who was seen praying fervently for Tinubu, asking God to restore the country its rightful place through the former Lagos governor, has been eliciting comments on social media.
2023: ‘They’re hungry fellows,’ – Nigerians lambast Taribo West, other football stars for endorsing Tinubu
Bola Tinubu with ex internationals
The video, which emerged on Saturday after the visit by the former players, has been widely shared with several commentators berating them for the endorsement.
Those seen in the video include former midfield supremo, Austin JJ Okocha; legendary forward, Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba.
Also present were former goalkeepers, Peter Rufai and Joseph Dosu, as well as wingers, Tijani Babangida and Garba Lawal, among others.
Tinubu turns 70 later this month and has declared his bid for the presidency ahead of the 2023 elections.
“Former Super Eagles players pay Tinubu a visit and give their endorsement for his 2023 race,” wrote popular twitter user, Morris Monye @Morris_Monye. “Kanu, Okocha etc were present. They also endorsed Yahaya Bello late last year. Even Mr. Tinubu is surprised at the vigor of the prayers from Taribo West. Damn. sapa is a bastard.”
Another commentator, Emelicious, @emeokine, wrote: “Only God knows how much Tinubu gave Taribo West that is making him pray this aggressive prayer.”
Another user, Julius Bisong @jbisong67, wrote, “The way Taribo is praying and vibrating, e be like say him take that thing wey them say Tinubu de take.”
Others attributed the endorsement to hunger, noting that the former internationals were only looking for what to eat.
“Hunger is a bastard! JJ Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, and Other Ex-super Eagles Players Paid Tinubu a Visit Today To Endorse Him..! I used to think Victor Ikpeba was a smart person! Shame on these ex-soccer Super Eagles players!” fumed Larr, @PopularLarry
“Imagine sending them to play for Nigeria as a team to the world cup after they’ve expired?”
Another user, Dj Elsco, @dj_elsco wrote, “Taribo west they find wetin him wife and picking go eat…see as him dey pray like say heaven want fall for wicked people,”
Yet, another user said, “Watching Taribo West speak like a lunatic breaks my heart. Men like himself belonged in the class of National heroes; ideally, men like Tinubu should go to them and not the other way around. Poverty is disgraceful. May Nigeria never happen to YOU.”
However, amid the criticisms, Kanu, former Ajax and Arsenal star, took to his Instagram account to clear the air on the visit.
He said the visit was not to endorse Tinubu’s presidential ambition, but that the former governor is turning 70 and had invited them to organise a novelty football match in his honour.
Meanwhile, Tinubu who also took to his twitter handle, @officialABAT, to commend the ex Super Eagles stars for the move, remarked that football is a beautiful game that unites Nigerians.
“The beautiful game. The beautiful game of football is one sport that unites Nigerians of all walks of life – regardless of age, status, tribe or religion,” he wrote.
“Today (Saturday), I received some ex-players of our National Football team, the Super Eagles. I thanked them for their service to country and they shared with me, their plans towards the novelty football match being organised to celebrate my birthday in a few days.
“We also spoke extensively about Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers for the World Cup at Qatar. Together, we will soar like eagles. That’s my prayer for Nigeria.”