Omokri argued that the president should have promised the players such a significant honour and gifts before the game against Cote d’Ivoire
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former presidential aide and social media influencer, Reno Omokri has faulted the timing of President Bola Tinubu’s gesture towards the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the president met with the players and officials in Abuja on Tuesday, following their second place finish at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, (AFCON).
During the meeting, Tinubu bestowed national awards (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON) on each of them.
He also gave the players flats and lands in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Reacting to the decision of the president, Omokri admitted it was a nice idea to reward the players.
ALSO READ: Omeruo insists he’s not quitting Super Eagles despite lack of playing time at AFCON
He, however, argued that the president should have made the promise before the game against Cote d’Ivoire to motivate them to win the AFCON final.
Speaking via his X handle, Omokri tweeted: “I think President Bola Tinubu erred in his interaction with the Super Eagles.”
He added: “He has now awarded the Super Eagles with the National Honour of the Member of the Order of the Niger, and gifted them homes and lands in the highly valued FCT. This is good.
“However, the best time to have done this, in my opinion, would have been to promise them these rewards, and more as motivation BEFORE their game with the Ivory Coast.
“There is nobody on earth who would not perform better if they were motivated. The Super Eagles were under-motivated while playing against the host nation. May this be a teachable moment for future tournaments.”