A former Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, on Saturday called on President Bola Tinubu to further motivate the Super Eagles by rewarding them for qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ademola Lookman’s first half strike booked Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Cote d’Ivoire with a 1-0 win over Angola.
Lookman broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles against the Palancas Negras in the 41st minute on Friday at the end of a devastating break.
That was after Moses Simon had easily gone past Kialonda Gaspar and teed up Lookman to smash the ball home with a clinical first-time left-footed finish.
Omokri took to social media, saying 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.
According to him, sports development takes money simply because a team that is disgruntled over unpaid arrears cannot give their best and Tinubu got that right.
He added that football unites Nigerians and that is enough reason to invest in sports as Tinubu is not just wasting money on games but he is building the nation and easing tensions.
“That is why I call on President Tinubu to further motivate the Super Eagles by rewarding them for qualifying for the semi-finals,” Omokri wrote on his verified X handle.
“Offer them and their coaches and officials the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) if they win their semifinal match, and promise them the award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) if they win the trophy.
“Motivation is what they need most. Let us motivate them before the matches, not after they win,” the 50-year-old Nigerian author and social media influencer stated.
