Obi, Atiku Celebrate Super Eagles Over Unity Cup Trophy, Saddened By Kano Athletes’ Accident, Deaths

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has expressed joy over the Unity Cup Trophy won by the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Obi was in London and watched the final match between Nigeria and Jamaica played on Saturday, at the Brentford Stadium in the UK.

The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes of play and ended in penalty shootout during which the Super Eagles scored 5-4 against Jamaica.

However, the joy was punctuated by the news of the demise of about 22 Kano state athletes in an auto crash on their way from Ogun state back to Kano after national sports festival.

Obi at the Stadium with fans

Atiku and Obi in their respective X handle, bemoaned the tragic accident.

According to Atiku, “These young men and women who have been cut in their prime represent the very best of our nation; dedicated, talented, and full of promise.

“Their untimely passing is a profound loss not only to their families and the people of Kano but to the entire country.”

Obi on his part said: “However, our celebration was cut short just at the train station going by the heartbreaking news of the ugly incident involving 22 members of the Kano sports delegation returning from the just concluded national sports festival in Ogun state who were feared dead in a tragic road accident.

“As we continue to support initiatives that promote unity and national pride, let us also spare a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the families who now mourn.”

The full text of their respective statements reads below:

Obi wrote: The Joy and Sadness of Sports

Today, after my engagements at the London Business School, I had the honour of watching the Unity Cup match between Nigeria and Jamaica at the Brentford Stadium in the UK.

The match ended 2-2 and was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious. It was not just a game—it was a moving celebration of our unity, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.

Sitting among fellow Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, I witnessed once again how sports cement our unity, uplift us, and remind us of our shared hopes for a better, stronger nation. I commend the organizers for reviving this important event and for using it as a platform to showcase our heritage and the incredible talent of our young people. Congratulations, our Super Eagles, for making us proud.

However, our celebration was cut short just at the train station going by the heartbreaking news of the ugly incident involving 22 members of the Kano sports delegation returning from the just concluded national sports festival in Ogun state who were feared dead in a tragic road accident.

As we continue to support initiatives that promote unity and national pride, let us also spare a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the families who now mourn.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the National Sports Commission and the Kano state Government during this difficult time.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace. -PO

For Atiku:
I am heartbroken by news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.

These young men and women who have been cut in their prime represent the very best of our nation; dedicated, talented, and full of promise.

Their untimely passing is a profound loss not only to their families and the people of Kano but to the entire country.

It is imperative that we put in place and enforce safety measures to stem accidents and prevent loss of lives.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Kano State Government, and Nigeria’s sporting community.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly. -AA