Social media erupted with sharp criticism of Bola Tinubu on Friday as Nigerians noted the absence of any public appreciation or statement from him following the Super Eagles’ elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking 4-2 penalty shoot-out defeat to hosts Morocco in the semi-final on January 14, 2026, after a tense 0-0 draw through 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two Nigerian penalties, while Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive kick to send Morocco into the final against Senegal.
The loss ended Nigeria’s campaign short of the final, sparking widespread disappointment among fans who had rallied behind the team earlier in the tournament.
Critics pointed out a stark contrast in Tinubu’s engagement: he had publicly praised the Super Eagles on his official X account after their 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria on January 10, describing the performance as “brilliant” and “inspiring” while assuring the team of nationwide support.
No similar message or acknowledgment has appeared since the semi-final exit, fueling accusations of selective patriotism.
One widely shared post captured the sentiment: “Bola Tinubu has not appreciated the Super Eagles, because they did not reach the finals. Can you see that the man is fake.
We call them the ‘emergency lovers of Nigeria’ for a reason.”
The phrase “emergency lovers of Nigeria” — a term often used by opponents to describe perceived opportunistic displays of national pride by ruling party figures — trended as users accused Tinubu of only celebrating victories for political gain.
Several posts suggested that a Super Eagles triumph would have been spun into propaganda for his administration, while the defeat drew silence.
Defenders of Tinubu countered that blaming the president for the team’s performance or his communication was unfair, with some arguing that the focus should remain on the players’ efforts rather than political narratives.
Others noted that the federal government issued a general statement praising the team’s courage and urging them to return stronger, though it did not come directly from Tinubu.
The online backlash reflects deeper frustrations amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic and political debates, with the AFCON outcome becoming another flashpoint ahead of future elections.
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As Morocco prepares for the final, Nigerian fans and commentators continue to debate leadership, accountability, and what true national support looks like — both on and off the pitch.
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