Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has issued a blistering and emotional rebuke to the Super Eagles following their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final exit, warning players to fully appreciate the national responsibility that comes with wearing Nigeria’s colours.
In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, Bovi reacted to Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat, a result that ended the team’s bid for a fourth AFCON title after a goalless draw through extra time.
The entertainer said football remains Nigeria’s most powerful unifying force, cutting across religion, politics and ethnicity in a way few other institutions can.
“If there is anything that unites Nigeria as a nation, it’s football. Mark my words,” he said, arguing 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 and West together.”
Addressing both current players and those aspiring to represent the national team, Bovi said choosing to play for Nigeria comes with an extraordinary burden, regardless of longstanding 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, the strength to unite Nigeria,” he said.
Reflecting on the penalty shootout defeat, Bovi criticised what he described as a lack of ruthlessness, using stark language to underline the pressure of decisive moments at the highest level.
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“You have to treat it like you are an assassin,” he said, adding that players must prioritise winning over personal acclaim. “If you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will mess up.”
While referencing Samuel Chukwueze’s missed penalty, Bovi was careful to say his remarks were not about singling out one player.
“I forgive him from the bottom of my heart, but you need to understand that the weight of a nation lies in your hand,” he said.
He also warned players against being distracted by social media praise, describing online approval as fleeting and misleading.
“They don’t like you. They like what you do. Don’t let comments, don’t let likes fool you,” he said.
Drawing on Nigeria’s football history, Bovi stated that many of the country’s most widely revered figures have emerged from the national team rather than from politics or religion.
“You will hardly find a Nigerian who says their heroes are politicians or pastors,” he said.
In his strongest message, Bovi cautioned players who are not fully committed to reconsider representing the country, stressing that wearing the green and white jersey goes far beyond contracts or personal rights.
“It’s beyond football, beyond your salary, beyond your rights. So if you’re not ready to die, don’t play,” he said.
Nigeria were eliminated after a tense semi-final that finished 0–0 after extra time, with Morocco converting four of their penalties to Nigeria’s two to secure a place in the AFCON final against Senegal.