Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma delivered an impassioned message to the Super Eagles following their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final exit, urging players to fully appreciate the national responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria.
Reacting to Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in Rabat, Bovi emphasised that football remains the country’s most powerful unifying force.
“If there is anything that unites Nigeria as a nation, it’s football. Mark my words,” he said, adding that while religion and politics often divide the country, football consistently brings Nigerians together. “Football is the only thing that brings Muslims and Christians, North, South, East & West together.”
National responsibility above all
Bovi reminded current and aspiring players that choosing to play for Nigeria carries enormous responsibility, regardless of challenges within the football system.
“When you are playing for Nigeria regardless of how the NFF treats you, if you choose to say I will play for Nigeria, understand that you have the potential, the power, this strength to unite Nigeria.”
He also criticised the lack of ruthlessness in the semi-final defeat, urging players to prioritise victory over personal glory.
“You have to treat it like you are an assassin… If you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will mess up.” Bovi referenced Samuel Chukwueze’s missed penalty, stressing that his comments were not about blame: “I forgive him from the bottom of my heart, but you need to understand that the weight of a nation lies in your hand.”
Warnings for future players
The entertainer also cautioned players against being distracted by social media praise, noting, “They don’t like you. They like what you do. Don’t let comments, don’t let likes fool you.” Drawing on Nigeria’s football history, he reminded them that the nation’s real heroes have come from the national team, not politicians or pastors.
In his strongest message, Bovi warned, “Don’t come to the Super Eagles if you know you are not ready to kill or die for the nation… It’s beyond football, beyond your salary, beyond your rights… So if not ready to die, don’t play.”
Nigeria’s exit followed a tense 0–0 draw through extra time, with Morocco prevailing 4–2 on penalties to reach the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.
