Sports

Nigeria vs Liberia: Why didn’t President Buhari play – Nigerians react to Weah’s appearance during international friendly

Published

6 years ago

September 12, 2018

Nigerians have reacted to Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Liberia in an international friendly played last night.

The game, played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, was arranged in honour of the country’s president and 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah.

Henry Onyekuru, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, opened scoring for the Super Eagles, firing into the top corner to make it 1- 0.

Another goal from Simeon Nwankwo helped Super Eagles to a victory over Leone Stars at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia.
The hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half, but it did not stop Nigeria from claiming their second win in three days.
However, the match stirred divergent reactions from Nigerians, who wondered why President George Weah and his old team mate, James Debbah played in the international friendly.

Some, however, wondered why Coach Gernot Rohr did not include President Buhari in his squad since his Liberian counterpart, Weah was on the pitch.
Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST on Twitter:
@smartnohs “Will FIFA acknowledge this Super Eagles win against George Weah in its next national teams rating?
@Preciousbowei “Congrats Super Eagles, spot on!
@Lexxy111 “Super Eagles played a good game with Liberia but don’t understand why some retired Liberia legends played the match.”
@Tonypeter17 “For me.. My happiest moment in this match against Liberia is seeing Ogu captain the Super Eagles.”
@Khenke_Kenny “President of Liberia George Weah is playing against us, we would have still won if President Buhari played for us.”
@Officialanyi “Why was this match not televised live in Nigeria.”
@highflyer101 “Strikers are known by the number of goals they score not by their Jersey numbers! Hope Ighalo is watching?
@Whoisfrance “Onyekuru is a future African Best. You heard it first here.”
@Agboyi_boy “Onyekuru far better. Rohr opted not to add him to World Cup 30 man provisional list for sentimental reasons.”
@AtexXeta “President George Weah of Liberia played 79 minutes against the Nigerian Super Eagles while APC President is celebrating a 800m walk. Why do I feel PDP is playing politics outside the borders of this country.”
@Sebthegenius “If President Weah is playing why didn’t President Buhari play in the Liberia Vs Nigeria match? I thought that was what he did the 800metres walk, so he trained and yet the coach didn’t use him? This is unfair! I know Lai Mohammed will react tomorrow.”
@Mikel_lisconja “A new strength with Speed, sharp, intelligent, accuracy and skill is here for us. His name Henry Onyekuru.”