Recent incidents involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman reveal more than just on-field misunderstandings, they expose a worrying trend in Nigerian sports journalism and public discourse. What I see is a strong context between these two African Ballon d’Or winners. Yet, some posts boldly claim that Ademola Lookman cannot be compared to Osimhen, reducing nuanced conversation into simplistic rivalry.
Every fresh issue is weaponized to trend on social media, often without moderation or context. Content creators, in the pursuit of clicks, are contributing to the erosion of the Super Eagles’ spirit and, in some ways, jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances in international tournaments. The emotional toll on players, who wear the national badge with pride, cannot be overstated.
When evaluating players like Ademola Lookman and Osimhen, one must ask: what about other Super Eagles? Are we only seeing them through regional lenses -Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, or are we considering the Nigerian Super Eagles as a unified team? To pit players against each other along such lines not only disrespects their talent but also undermines national unity and pride.
This trend reflects a broader societal issue: negativity has become normalized in Nigerian public discourse, and sports, one of the few arenas capable of uniting the country is not spared. If the media and citizens continue to emphasize sensationalism over fair reporting, we risk not only discouraging our players but also losing the heart of a nation that should rally behind its representatives.
The Osimhen-Lookman saga is not merely a football story; it is a reflection of how societal cynicism can chip away at national pride. Nigerian players deserve support, measured critique, and above all, an environment where wearing the green and white jersey remains a source of honor, not emotional burden.
— Abioye Tosin Lawrence
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