Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to connect the quality of the country’s football to the broader issue of governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the call in a post on X on Saturday titled, “Beyond Football: The Match for a Better Nigeria.”
He noted that millions of Nigerian youths would spend the weekend following European football, admiring the organisation and discipline behind the leagues, but questioned why similar standards could not be achieved in Nigeria.
According to him, Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of football talent but the absence of systems that allow such talent to thrive.
“Nigeria has the talent. What we have lacked is leadership that creates an enabling environment for that talent to flourish,” Obi said.
He argued that the infrastructure supporting successful football leagues, including stadiums, transport, healthcare, security and electricity, are products of effective governance.
Obi also linked the development of Nigerian football to the choices young Nigerians make at the ballot box, saying the country could build systems capable of producing the same level of excellence admired in Europe.
“As I have decided, in the next 150 days, to engage Nigerian youths wherever they gather—in town halls, campuses, online spaces, and even football communities, my message is simple: The future you admire in Europe can be built in Nigeria. But it starts with your vote,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor imagined a Nigeria where the domestic league is competitive, stadiums are filled, clubs attract sponsorship and young footballers can pursue successful careers without feeling compelled to leave the country.
He described the 2027 presidential election as an opportunity for youths to determine the kind of country they want.
“The 2027 presidential election is therefore more than a political contest. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youths to choose the kind of country they want,” he said.
Obi encouraged young Nigerians to continue enjoying their favourite European clubs but urged them to pay equal attention to the political decisions shaping their future.
“Cheer for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, AC Milan, or any club you support. Enjoy every match. But when the final whistle blows, remember that the greatest match awaiting Nigerian youths is not in Europe. It is in Nigeria,” he said.
He concluded by urging youths to “stand up, mobilise, vote and defend your vote,” adding that he would use the coming 150 days to remind Nigerians of the January 16, 2027 election and the need to build better standards in the country.