A viral video of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players prostrating to greet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has triggered a wave of outrage among Nigerians on social media.
In the widely circulated clip, several members of the national women’s football team were seen kneeling and prostrating before the president during a recent visit, sparking criticism from many who felt the gesture was demeaning for professional athletes representing the country.
Angry Nigerians took to Twitter and Instagram to express their displeasure, with many questioning why the Super Falcons players — who have brought pride to the nation — were reduced to such cultural displays in a formal setting.
“They are not schoolgirls. They are world-class athletes,” one user wrote.
“This is not respect, it’s submission,” another added.
Critics argue that such scenes further highlight power imbalance and gendered expectations, especially in public spaces. Others believe it reflects a cultural expectation that needs to be re-evaluated, especially in professional settings.
So far, neither the Presidency nor the Nigerian Football Federation has addressed the backlash. However, the video has reignited conversations about how national athletes should be treated — and respected — both on and off the pitch.
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