Seun Kuti, the Grammy-nominated afrobeat singer and son of the legendary Fela Kuti, has slammed the Nigerian national football team for their lacklustre performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He accused the players of being more loyal to their foreign clubs than their country, and of making excuses for their poor form.
The Super Eagles, who were expected to dominate the tournament, only managed to draw 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, and barely qualified for the knockout stage. Kuti, who is known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, did not mince his words when he expressed his disappointment with the team.
In a video message posted on his Instagram page, Kuti said: “Nigerian footballers are not patriotic. I don’t care what anybody says. They are more interested in their oyibo clubs and the glams, they are not patriotic, they are like the prodigal sons who have forgotten their roots and their father’s house.”
He dismissed the argument that the players are not motivated by the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, which has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement for years. He said that the players are already wealthy and do not need any financial incentives to play for their country.
“They might say it is because the national football body doesn’t treat them well. Africa doesn’t treat anyone well. But it’s our duty to do well for Africa because it is ours. So those excuses that they are being owed are irrelevant. You guys are multi-millionaires. How much is NFF going to pay you? Even if they pay you, you won’t take it home. It’s nothing to you. It’s like giving a Ferrari to a bicycle rider. He won’t appreciate it.”
Seun also compared the Super Eagles to their European counterparts, who he said show more passion and focus when they play for their national teams. He wondered why the Nigerian players, who are talented and successful at their clubs, cannot replicate the same form when they wear the green and white jersey.
“I watched Super Eagles last game. Do you guys watch the Euros and World Cup? Don’t you see how European teams enter fields? Don’t you see how focused their players are? Even Nigerian footballers, when they are at their clubs, they are always focused. But when they come to the Nations’ Cup, they are unserious. African footballers are the craziest of athletes. I’m sorry to say this.”
He concluded by urging the Super Eagles to redeem themselves in the knockout stage, and to play with pride and honour for their country. He said that he still loves and supports the team, but he expects more from them.
