Popular Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma has issued a stern message to the Super Eagles, urging players to focus on their national duty and stop letting social media distractions affect their performance, following Nigeria’s semi-final exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a video posted to his Instagram page on Thursday, after Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to host nation Morocco, Bovi emphasized that football remains Nigeria’s unifying force, transcending religion and politics.
“If there’s anything that unites Nigeria as a nation, it’s football. Mark my words, it’s football,” he said.
Bovi addressed key players, including Samuel Chukwueze, warning against prioritizing individual glory over team success:
“You have to treat it like you are an assassin… Chukwueze, I forgive him from the bottom of my heart, but you need to understand that the weight of the nation lies in your hand,” he said.
“If you go for glory before victory, more often than not, you will mess up. Don’t let that ember come alive. We let an advantage sleep.”
He also highlighted the dangers of social media distraction during tournaments:
“Social media will be messing you guys up real bad… Guess what? They don’t like you. They like what you do. Don’t let the comments, don’t let the likes fool you. The tide can change anytime.”
“When Argentina had to play us in the 2018 World Cup, no member of their team was on social media. We were on social media posting all kinds of things. Stop going on social media during tournaments.”
Bovi reminded the players of the larger significance of wearing the national jersey:
“Dear Super Eagles and intending Super Eagles players… regardless of how the NFF treats you, if you choose to play for Nigeria, understand that you have the potential, the power to unite Nigeria… You have chances to be heroes, to write your name in history and never be forgotten.”
Acknowledging administrative challenges within Nigerian football, he stressed that players must rise above systemic issues and focus on their role in uniting the nation through football:
“When you wear the Nigerian jersey, it’s beyond football, beyond your salary, beyond your rights… You already know that your system is messed up when it comes to some of these things.”
Bovi concluded with a stark warning,“So if you’re not ready to die, don’t play.”
The Super Eagles exited the 2025 AFCON at the semi-final stage after a 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, followed by a 4–2 defeat in penalties to host nation Morocco.