How FG Can Take Advantage of Super Eagles’ Participation at AFCON 2023 to Build Nigeria, CSO Speaks
- ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication (ImpactHouse) has said Nigerians’ reaction to the Super Eagles semifinal win over South Africa at the AFCON 2023 engendered a collective euphoria that transcends sports
- Femi Aderibigbe, board chairman of the organisation, stated that the Super Eagles' victory over the Bafana Bafana "presented a profound moment of unity for a nation often fragmented by economic, political, and social divides"
- In a statement made available to Legit.ng, Aderibigbe appraised the communication opportunities that could have been harnessed by the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu's leadership
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.
FCT, Abuja - A nonprofit organisation (NGO), ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, has said the scenario observed on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 matches "highlight the deep emotional investment Nigerians have in football".
The organisation said the Bola Tinubu government's communication team could funnel this unifying spirit into the national discourse — potentially improving rapport with citizens, fostering patriotism, and enhancing support for governmental policies.
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Within this context, it said, lies the technical nuance – "translating a moment of sporting triumph into a platform to revitalise nationalistic fervour".
ImpactHouse bemoaned the "lack of robust engagement" from government communicators during "this pivotal period", adding that it could be viewed as a missed opportunity.
The organisation's statement partly reads:
"The spontaneous burst of national pride was a rare gem that may have been appropriated for the following technical applications:
- Reactive strategy: While official government spokespersons immediately reacted to the victory, which is commendable, they missed an opportunity to subtly tie in national objectives and aspirations in their communications.
- Storytelling technique: Employing narratives that align the footballing success story with the visage of a triumphant Nigeria overcoming its current difficulties.
- Social media interaction: Active engagement through social media platforms, initiating dialogues, and creating hashtags to sustain the momentum built around the game and foster a sense of national camaraderie.
What to read about AFCON 2023:
- Nigeria vs Ivory Coast: Pre AFCON 2023 final live update, team news, latest update
- AFCON 2023: North African experts predict team to win tournament
- AFCON 2023 star, Osimhen, 'edging closer' to Arsenal move, reports
Tinubu to hit Ivory Coast for AFCON final
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu will reportedly travel to Ivory Coast to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Côte d’Ivoire in the AFCON 2023 final.
In a recent report by Sports Brief, the media platform said a source informed it that President Tinubu will be in Ivory Coast for the final.
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Source: Legit.ng
