Nigerian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has expressed criticism of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, for what he sees as a lack of “enough commitment” and seriousness whenever they represent the country.
In a video message shared on Instagram after the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Kuti lamented the lack of discipline and dedication he believes is common among African players, including Nigerians, in international competitions, labeling them “the least disciplined athletes.”
He dismissed the players’ common excuses related to financial motivation from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), arguing that most are already wealthy and do not depend on such payments.
Kuti contended that the players do not show the requisite effort and focus when on national team duty for Nigeria.
“Nigerian footballers are not patriotic. I don’t care what anybody says. They are more interested in their oyibo clubs and the glams. They are not patriotic.
“They might say it is because the national football body doesn’t treat them well. Africa doesn’t treat anyone well. But it’s our duty to do well for Africa because it is ours. So those excuses that they are being owed are irrelevant. You guys are multi-millionaires. How much is NFF going to pay you? Even if they pay you, you won’t take it home. It’s nothing to you.
“I watched Super Eagles last game. Do you guys watch the Euros and World Cup? Don’t you see how European teams enter fields? Don’t you see how focused their players are? Even Nigerian footballers, when they are at their clubs, they are always focused. But when they come to the Nations’ Cup, they are unserious. African footballers are the craziest of athletes. I’m sorry to say this.”
