Nollywood actor, Abayomi Aderibigbe, better known as Yomi Black, in has stated that the disappointment of Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations final affected his friends and colleagues terribly.
He disclosed that there were plans for them to throw a party to celebrate if Nigeria had defeated Cote d’Ivoire to claim the title but the result inadvertently changed their plans.
Speaking in an interview, Yomi Black said they had organised an event with suya and drinks prepared, but they could no longer party after the game.
He said; “It was quite disappointing because every Nigerians wanted to see them win and it would have been good for the country as a whole and that’s why it was so painful and quite disappointing?
Yes, we had plans to celebrate the trophy if we had won. We arranged a get together and we had ‘suya’ prepared, we just wanted to party a little after the match but unfortunately the result changed the plan a bit. The mood in the house was different and some people even left before the game and they didn’t join in the party. But that is football and it is what it is.”
The famous actor opened on on being impressed by Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali as well as striker, Ademola Lookman.
“I think the goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did very well and it was obvious that Ademola Lookman also did very well, though he missed some couple of chances to score goals but he still had a very good tournament. For me, Lookman and Nwabali are my two best Eagles players at the AFCON,” he said.
On the cyberbullying that midfielder, Alex Iwobi faced, Yomi said; “First of all, I want to apologise on behalf of Nigerians and it is pretty unfortunate and unfair that he was attacked by some fans. Iwobi has Nigeria’s best interest at heart and no player wants to lose a final.
I hope he can get over it and realise that it is not personal. I have been in this similar situation before and I can tell that it is not a place to be. It is very painful but he should toughen up and I want to say we are sorry Alex.
I hope Nigerians will learn a lesson from this because at the end of the day we will be held accountable for our actions and even as fans we should exhibit the attitude of sportsmanship. Losing wasn’t plan of the game but it happened and we should move on.”