A social media storm has followed Nigeria’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after an Arewa-based influencer, known as Sarki on X, made a controversial post targeting Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze.
In the now-viral post, Sarki blamed Chukwueze for Nigeria’s semi-final loss to Morocco, describing his missed penalty as deliberate and linking it to ethnic and political sentiments. The comment has drawn widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians calling it divisive, reckless, and unfair.
Chukwueze was one of several players involved in the penalty shootout after the match ended goalless, and football fans have since pointed out that penalty misses are part of the game and should not be reduced to personal or ethnic attacks.
As reactions continue to pour in, many have urged fans to separate football disappointment from harmful narratives, stressing the need for unity and responsibility, especially on national issues.
