Controversial public commentator and political activist, Reno Omokri, has once again made headlines after taking aim at the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent congratulatory message following the Super Eagles’ emphatic 4-1 victory against Gabon in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Peter Obi had expressed his excitement after the Nigerian national team’s strong performance, tweeting that he watched the match despite a demanding schedule that had taken him from Lagos to Abuja and later to Anambra State. In his message, Obi praised the Super Eagles, describing their performance as a testament to Nigeria’s potential on the global stage when talents receive adequate support. He highlighted that the victory should inspire Nigerians to believe in a better, stronger, and more united country.
However, Omokri, known for his outspoken defense of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, did not take Obi’s comments lightly. He used the opportunity to question the former governor’s consistency and patriotism, pointing to previous remarks made by Obi in which he described Nigeria as a “now disgraced country.”
In a sharply worded post on X, Omokri accused Peter Obi of being a “fair-weather friend” to Nigeria, celebrating the nation only when events are favorable and ignoring problems when they arise. Omokri asked: “Ah ah! Peter? Youth are now proud of Nigeria because we defeated Gabon? Was it not you who described Nigeria as a ‘Now disgraced country’ two days ago? You are the true definition of a fair-weather friend.”
Omokri’s critique has since gone viral, sparking debates across social media platforms. Many users have joined the conversation, with some defending Obi’s right to celebrate national achievements irrespective of his past criticisms, while others sided with Omokri, agreeing that political figures must maintain consistency in their statements regarding the country’s state.
The exchange underscores the heightened political tensions in Nigeria, where public figures’ remarks on national matters, including sports achievements, are often dissected for perceived political messaging. Observers note that such debates tend to reflect broader divides among supporters of different political parties, particularly in the lead-up to future elections.
Despite the political sparring, Nigerians continue to celebrate the Super Eagles’ victory over Gabon, recognizing the team’s remarkable performance and the role of sports in fostering national pride. The conversation around Obi and Omokri highlights how achievements in sports can sometimes intersect with political narratives, amplifying public discourse beyond the pitch.