Former presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has said Nigeria is not lacking in talent but has continued to struggle because of poor leadership that has failed to help citizens reach their full potential.
Obi made the statement on Monday through a post on his official X account, formerly known as Twitter. He said his reflection was inspired as he prepared to watch the Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States.
According to him, the presence of Nigerian-born players and players of Nigerian heritage on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages showed what Nigerians could achieve if given the right support and environment.
“As I prepared to watch the Super Bowl tonight, I was reminded of Nigeria’s vast potential,” Obi wrote. “On the field were three exceptional Nigerians making their nation proud on the world’s biggest sporting stage.”
He listed Michael Onwenu of the New England Patriots, Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks, who is of Nigerian descent, as examples of Nigerians excelling internationally.
Obi said their achievements were not by chance. He explained that their success came from discipline, access to opportunities, and systems that recognize and reward talent.
“Their success is not accidental; it is the result of discipline, opportunity, and systems that recognize and reward talent,” he said.
The former presidential candidate noted that watching their performances highlighted what Nigerians could achieve if similar systems were in place at home. He argued that Nigeria’s ongoing struggles in many areas are not due to a lack of talented people but a failure of leadership over the years.
“Watching them, one cannot help but reflect on what Nigerians can achieve when provided with the right environment to thrive,” Obi said.
He added that Nigeria has millions of gifted individuals across different sectors, including sports, education, business, science, and technology. However, many of them are unable to reach their full potential because of weak institutions, poor governance, and lack of opportunities.
According to Obi, leadership built on vision, competence, and integrity is key to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential.
“If our country were governed with vision, competence, and integrity, and if leadership focused on building strong institutions, investing in people, and creating equal opportunities, there would be no limit to what Nigerians could accomplish,” he said.
Obi stressed that Nigeria’s challenges are not unique and can be solved with the right policies and leadership commitment. He said countries that invest in education, skills, and fair systems often see their citizens succeed both at home and abroad.
“Nigeria is not lacking in talent. What we have lacked for too long is leadership that unleashes that talent,” he stated.
He added that once leadership is properly addressed, Nigeria would not only compete globally but would also excel and lead in different fields.
“When we get leadership right, Nigeria will not only participate on the global stage but will consistently excel and lead,” Obi said.
The Super Bowl, which inspired Obi’s comments, is the annual championship game of the National Football League in the United States. It is one of the most watched sporting events in the world and attracts millions of viewers every year.
The game has been held since 1966 and serves as the final match of each NFL season. Since 2022, it has been played on the second Sunday in February. Apart from sports, the Super Bowl is also known for its entertainment, advertisements, and global media coverage.
Uchenna Nwosu, one of the players mentioned by Obi, is a linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. He was born in Carson, California, but is of Nigerian descent. He has built a strong career in the NFL through years of training and support within the American sports system.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, also of the Seattle Seahawks, is a wide receiver. He was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, to a mother of Sierra Leonean and Nigerian descent. He is regarded as one of the promising young talents in the league.
Michael Onwenu, who plays as an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Nigerian parents. He has been praised for his strength, discipline, and consistency on the field.
Many Nigerians have often celebrated the success of citizens and people of Nigerian descent abroad, especially in sports, entertainment, medicine, and technology. However, these successes also raise questions about why similar achievements are harder to record within the country.
Peter Obi has consistently spoken about the need for reforms in governance, education, and economic management. During the 2023 presidential election, he built his campaign around issues of good governance, accountability, and investment in human capital.
Although he did not win the election, Obi has remained active in national discussions, often using public events and social media to speak on issues affecting the country. His comments on the Super Bowl reflect his broader message that Nigeria’s biggest resource is its people.
Supporters of Obi say his message resonates with many Nigerians, especially young people who feel their talents are wasted due to lack of opportunity. Critics, however, argue that transforming Nigeria requires more than words and that all political leaders must take responsibility for years of poor governance.
As Nigeria continues to face economic and social challenges, Obi’s remarks serve as a reminder of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. For many observers, the success of Nigerians on global stages like the Super Bowl is proof that with the right leadership and systems, the country can achieve far more than it currently does.
