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Following Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou’s fight on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans have accused Joshua of snubbing Nigerians from his post-fight speech. The British-Nigerian boxer made a speech after his Knockout win against Cameroonian, Ngannou, and he thanked his fans across the world.
However, while making his speech, he did not mention Nigeria. Joshua thanked his fans Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, and London, but omitted and this didn’t sit well with Nigerians who said he should have acknowledged Nigerian fans for their support. During the controversy, some said Nigerians failed to show him support. Others alleged it could have been an oversight on his part and not deliberate. There were others who were simply happy he won the fight.
Nonetheless, the viral video of him making the speech went viral and also caught the attention of African Pride Magazine CEO, Chief Olayiwola Arowolo who aired his opinion on the matter. In his opinion:
“I find it both unpatriotic and amusing to see comments questioning what Nigeria has done for Anthony Joshua. The support he receives from Nigerians alone is significant. Why make a fuss over the criticism of fewer than 110 people out of 230 million supporters?”
“It’s worth noting how much his status has been elevated, evident in our president hosting him at a welcoming party. Who is Anthony Joshua compared to figures like Dangote, Otedola, Governors, and first-grade Obas in Nigeria, who have to go through rigorous procedures just to meet the president? Let’s be honest, he made a mistake, but it’s his fundamental right and choice. However, it shouldn’t be based on the criticism of a few individuals, totaling less than 150, compared to the 250 million celebrating him. If valuing Nigerians doesn’t matter to everyone, then Nigeria will surely remind him of his roots going forward.”
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Though what he did was disrespectful and unpatriotic to all his large supporting fans at home. We forgive him as he won the fight. The glory of winning is not for him alone but Nigerian at large. Omo wa no ni.