As the African Cup of Nations reaches its quarter-final stage, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential elections, has taken a distinctive step by expressing his support and prayers for the Nigerian Super Eagles.
In an exclusive interview with Arise TV on Friday, Obi not only applauded the players for their commendable performance but also stressed the importance of investing more in sports for national development. He commented, “The country needs to do more to have more stars, but what they have done so far is commendable.”
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Obi, who is present in Ivory Coast alongside other fervent Nigerian supporters, highlighted the unifying power of sports, saying, “They have all my prayers and support, and all my prayers are for their success and the country because their success is the success of the country.”
Speaking about the role of sports in national development, the former Anambra governor drew a parallel with countries like Brazil, urging Nigeria to prioritize sports investment. “It is an area of development that we need to invest in,” he emphasized.
The Super Eagles, under Obi’s unexpected endorsement, are set to face Angola in the AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals at 6 pm today.
With an unbeaten record since the start of the tournament, the team’s performance has garnered widespread attention, and Obi’s show of support adds a unique dimension to the national conversation surrounding sports and development.