OPINION The role of Super Eagles stars in the 2023 elections

Nigerian players may not get the chance to vote when the election takes place this month, but they can still play a major role in determining the outcome.

In about two weeks, Nigerians will be tasked with a major decision that will shape the future of the country in the next four years and possibly beyond. 

The country’s citizens are set to go to the polls on February 25 to vote for the next president that will rule the most popular African country in the world. 

The 2023 general election is arguably the most important in Nigeria’s history, although this is not to say previous elections were not important because, after all, it is why the country is where it is right now. 

However, considering what has happened over the last eight years under the present administration, it is important that the country gets it right this time around because the consequences could be dire if the wrong person emerges as the winner. 

Super Eagles stars are silent as election fever hits 

Also, this election could be a turning point for African politics if Nigeria gets it right because the country is widely considered the ‘giant of Africa.’

For these reasons, many are invested in these elections, using their platforms to convince people. From the common man to music artists to Nollywood actors and actresses, everyone is playing a role. 

Celebrities, especially, are using their platforms to convince Nigerians to exercise their civic rights on February 25 and also using it wisely. 

These celebrities, especially artists and Nollywood actors, have been using their platforms and voices to convince Nigerians to register for their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), collect their PVC and then vote. 

However, while a whole lot of celebrities have used their platforms very well, Nigerian (Super Eagles) stars have remained silent. 

Aside from the team’s captain Ahmed Musa, who urged Nigerians to go and collect their PVC, other Super Eagles players have been silent during this election period. 

While it is not clear why they have chosen to remain silent, it could be because they do not want to mix sports with politics. 

Super Eagles stars cannot afford to remain silent anymore

Over the years, we have always heard FIFA and other sporting organisations say sports should not mix with politics. 

However, every day we keep finding out that this statement is not true because sports and politics are intertwined. 

But even if sports and politics do not mix, it should not stop Super Eagles stars from using their platform or their voice during this period because they are such prominent figures. 

While it may also be true that some, if not most, were born or grew up in the diaspora, it should not stop them from using their voice because they now represent the country. 

Although they may be oblivious to the realities of what is on ground because they stay outside the country, they have access to news and also have people around them. Not forgetting that they also come into the country during international breaks. 

For this reason alone, they should play a more active role during this period. In fairness, many of these players will not get the chance to vote as they will likely be on club duty, but they can use their platform to convince Nigerians to go out and vote wisely. 

This is because their voice and platform are so powerful and larger than they can imagine. An example is the case of Odion Ighalo, who brought more light on the EndSars protests in 2020 with a video he shared after Manchester United’s clash with PSG. 

The video went viral, with international media organisations picking it up and highlighting it. Before then, the EndSars protests had just been picked up by just a few international media. 

However, Ighalo’s viral video brought more light to the incident, which is why many more Super Eagles stars need to start using their voices and platforms to speak on social issues, starting with this year’s election. 

Over the years, we have seen athletes get more involved in political and social issues, especially in the United States. 

There is no better example than LeBron James, who formed a More Than A Vote initiative, which is aimed at the black community, urging them to vote in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. 

This initiative was important then because there has always been voter apathy in the black community. This situation also plays out in Nigeria because so many people believe their votes do not count, but Nigerian players can always use their platform to encourage fellow citizens to vote. 

Super Eagles stars need no better role model than LeBron. They too can use their platforms and voices to tell Nigerians to go out and vote for leaders who have the interest of the country at heart. 

Although a few, like Ighalo, use their platforms sometimes, it is really important that many others join the cause. 

Leon Balogun is another player who speaks out on social issues, but it is important he also uses his platform and voice on issues that concern Nigeria. 

After all, a better Nigeria will also have a ripple effect on the sports industry. These players complain about the quality of pitches, accommodation and wages they are subjected to, but it is hard to blame the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) because sport is just a subset of the society. 

There is a reason why countries like Morocco, Egypt and Algeria have good sporting facilities and leagues, which Nigeria can only dream of. 

• The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Pulse Sports

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