Following the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s exhilarating qualification for the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament with a triumphant victory over the Black Antelopes of Angola, celebrations are in full swing.
Renowned author and influential figure, Reno Omokri, has taken to his official Twitter page to advocate for recognition and reward for the outstanding team, offering crucial advice to the Federal Government of Nigeria on how to motivate the players.5 takeaways from Nigeria’s AFCON quarterfinal win vs. Angola – ESPN
Omokri’s tweet underscored the pivotal role financial stability plays in sports development, pointing out that the Super Eagles’ recent top-notch performance coincided with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to settle all outstanding salaries and entitlements owed to officials and players. Recognizing the significance of financial contentment in inspiring peak performance, he emphasized that a content and well-rewarded team is more likely to excel on the field.
In the tweet, Omokri passionately expressed,
“It is not a coincidence that the Super Eagles have been on top form since President Bola Tinubu ordered that all outstanding salaries and entitlements owed to officials and players should be paid to them. Sports development takes money. A team that is disgruntled over unpaid arrears cannot give their best. And Tinubu got that right.”
He further appealed to President Tinubu to extend this motivation by rewarding the Super Eagles for their commendable qualification for the semifinals. Omokri suggested conferring the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) to the team, coaches, and officials should they emerge victorious in the semifinal match. Additionally, he proposed promising them the esteemed award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) should they secure the tournament trophy.AFCON: Tinubu’s government cites Super Eagles’ quarter-final …
Omokri’s plea emphasized the critical importance of proactive motivation, asserting,
“Let us motivate them before the matches, not after they win.” He highlighted the unifying power of football in Nigeria, framing the investment in sports as an investment in nation-building and tension alleviation.