Nigeria’s Super Eagles were humbled 2-0 by Croatia in their opening game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
A first half own goal by Oghenekaro Etebo and Luka Modric’s second half penalty inflicted the excruciating pains of defeat on the subdued Nigerians in Kaliningrad.
As painful as the result was to millions of Nigerians, many of them took to Twitter to vent their anger and displeasure, sometimes in comical manners.
What caught my eye was a post by the official handle of the Presidency @NGRPresident which revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari spoke with the players before the game.
President @MBuhari spoke with the @NGSuperEagles this evening, ahead of their opening World Cup match against Croatia; and assured them of the full support of the nation. #SoarSuperEagles #Russia2018WorldCup ?? pic.twitter.com/2MvcDmAMfE
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) June 16, 2018
As expected, Nigerians revisited the above tweet after the match to give the President their feedback.
This respondent was fearless in informing the President of the result, in our local parlance.
Baba we don chop am o
— Fearless (@ola_asumah) June 16, 2018
And there was nothing innocent about this tweet by the man called Innocent who stated it so simply:
No wonder we lost the match, please don't call next time
— innocent ugo (@ugoblaze90) June 16, 2018
Talk of dereliction of duty by the President? Or, what is this man suggesting?
I hope you've learnt a lesson, you left Herdsmen and SARS that you were supposed to call and you went ahead to call the boys who have promised to bring back the trophy, since you have failed to bring back tge girls.
— Gβε̲̣̣̣̥м̈ƪ David Owolabi (@Dongbaskie) June 16, 2018
But this, got to me. Implying that Mr President might be guilty of cheating?
Just like a parent calling their children in the exam hall to aid malpractice. Little wonder they failed. If you do that in the next paper, they may be disqualified. Be careful!
— jí, má sùn. Ẹní jí ló gb'ọpẹ́ (@MrOluwadurotimi) June 16, 2018
But here is a respectful Nigerian who just drops a passionate advice for the President.
We have now seen the ful result of your support. Please help us by not supporting our next match
— Syrius Black (@efeswaggziny) June 16, 2018
There was also a stern warning for PMB.
Bad luck. Don't even try it again
— Nitrous (@Illex17) June 16, 2018
For the road and just in case the President refuses to heed his followers’ warning, this lady has a message for Gernot Rohr.
Chia can somebody tell rohr to stop picking calls from this Man before we play any match ?? #Supereagles #CRONGR #NIGERIASTRONG
— Mila (@MillerUche) June 16, 2018
To call or not to call again? The Eagles will play again next Friday.
