AFCON: Obi steals the show in Cote d’Ivoire as Super Eagles defeat Angola 1-0
- Fans taking selfies with Obi
- Peter Obi with Valentine Ozigbo and other Nigerian fans
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Friday, beat Angola to advance into the semi-finals game of the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup in Cote d’Ivoire.
A lone goal from Ademola Lookman in the 41st minute gave Nigeria the lead and victory.
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In a highly contested match at the 33,000-capacity Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Nigeria emerged victorious, securing a coveted spot in the AFCON semi-finals.
But all eyes were on Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, who was on the popular stand to cheer the Nigerian players with other football fans.
Obi arrived Cote d’Ivoire on Friday to support the Super Eagles in the quarter-final match against Angola.
A chieftain of the Labour Party, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, disclosed Obi’s trip in a post on his official Facebook page.
He wrote: “Just arrived in Côte d’Ivoire with HE @PeterObi to support our soaring Super Eagles to victory in the Quarterfinals of AFCON 2023. Quite a pleasant lunch at Sofitel Abidjan.
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READ ALSO: Nigeria edge past Angola, qualify for AFCON last four
”Let’s rally behind our team, knowing their strength and unity on the field mirror our spirit and passion as a nation. Together, we soar higher! 🦅🇳🇬 #SuperEagles #AFCON2023.”
Obi was later seen at the popular stand with members of the Supporters Club of Nigeria cheering the Super Eagles to victory.
He stood all through the encounter, gyrating to the music of the Supporters Club.
Nigerians who were pleasantly surprised to see him at the popular stand milled around him in admiration.
Narrating what happened, one Dr. Moses Paul wrote: “Witnessing the humility of Mr. Peter Obi today was truly inspiring. As we bid farewell, I couldn’t help but admire his selflessness and down-to-earth nature.
“Despite being offered a first-class ticket, he chose to travel to the host nation of Afcon, Cote d’Ivoire, like any ordinary person.
“The memory of our time at the New Africa Foundation convention in Accra, Ghana, still lingers in my mind. It was there that I witnessed Mr. Peter Obi’s unwavering commitment to frugality and resourcefulness.
“In a setting where extravagant displays and lavish expenses are the norm, he stood out by declining all the unnecessary paraphernalia associated with international meetings. His insistence on saving money wherever possible struck a chord within me, as it is a testament to his consistent values and principles.
“Mr. Peter Obi’s unwavering dedication to fiscal responsibility serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is not about indulging in extravagance, but rather about making wise and prudent choices for the greater good.
“In Cote d’Ivoire, amidst the presence of numerous esteemed dignitaries, Mr. Peter Obi chose to stand among the supporters. His genuine connection with the people and his willingness to be part of the crowd exemplify his humility and dedication to serving others, surprising and uplifting the Super Eagles and spectators alike with a powerful presence that radiated hope and joy throughout the stadium.
“He truly embodies the essence of leadership, reminding us that greatness lies not in titles or privileges, but in the genuine care and compassion we show towards our fellow human being.”
