Many Nigerians have called out some former Super Eagles players for reportedly endorsing All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu for president.
The ex-nationals, including Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Taribo West, Obafemi Martins, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba and others had visited Tinubu’s home on Saturday, in preparation for a novelty match on Sunday, to mark his 70th birthday.
Expressing their dissatisfaction with the actions of the ex-internationals, who they said had previously endorsed Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, some Nigerians said the actions of the players was because of what they stand to gain from the politicians.
On the frontline of the criticisms, Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, took to his Twitter handle to slam the former players, noting that their move was driven by hunger.
According to the #revolutionnow crusader, “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,” he said.
“I used to think Victor Ikpeba was a smart person! Shame on these ex-soccer Super Eagles players! Imagine sending them to play for Nigeria as a team in the World Cup after they’ve expired.”
Meanwhile, Kanu Nwankwo, who tried to explain the reason behind the visit, said Tinubu had once been a pillar of his foundation.
He said, “People are talking, please pay attention. I’m not a politician, I’m a footballer and a proud one, I’m a legend. I know what is good and what is not good.
“22 years ago, Kanu heart Foundation was looking for people to help us. We got only three governors. Ahmed Tinubu was one of them.
“He gave the foundation money to start up. He supported us. And now, it’s his 70th birthday. Why not, we also have to come and support him.
“Please, don’t keep on talking and talking, make sure this time around you pick up the PVC and vote for the right person and let us get the right person there.”
