Former presidential candidate Peter Obi says Nigeria’s long-standing struggles are not the result of a shortage of talent but of persistent leadership failure that has prevented citizens from reaching their full potential.
In a statement shared on Monday via his official X account, Obi said he was reminded of Nigeria’s vast human capacity while preparing to watch the Super Bowl, the National Football League’s championship game, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. He noted that the presence of Nigerian-born players and athletes of Nigerian heritage on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages underscored what Nigerians could achieve when given the right environment.
“As I prepared to watch the Super Bowl tonight, I was reminded of Nigeria’s vast potential,” Obi said, pointing to Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots, Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks, who is of Nigerian descent.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the achievements of the players were not accidental but the outcome of discipline, opportunity, and systems that recognise and reward talent. He said their performances highlighted what could be possible in Nigeria if similar structures were deliberately built and sustained.
Obi argued that Nigeria’s challenges over the years stemmed from leadership that failed to create enabling conditions for growth and excellence. He said that with governance anchored on vision, competence, and integrity, and a focus on strong institutions, investment in people, and equal opportunities, Nigerians could excel not only in sports but across science, technology, business, education, and other sectors.
“Nigeria is not lacking in talent. What we have lacked for too long is leadership that unleashes that talent,” Obi said, adding that getting leadership right would position the country to consistently compete and lead on the global stage.
The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the NFL and has been held since 1966. Since 2022, it takes place on the second Sunday of February. Michael Onwenu was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Nigerian parents; Uchenna Nwosu was born in Carson, California, to Nigerian parents; while Jaxon Smith-Njigba was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, to a mother of Sierra Leonean and Nigerian descent.
