The appointment of former Super Eagles defenders Shehu Abdullahi and Kenneth Omeruo to sports positions within the APC-linked City Boy Movement has sparked reactions among Nigerian sports fans.
The two former internationals were recently appointed to the movement’s national leadership structure, with Abdullahi named National Deputy Director of Sports and Omeruo appointed National Assistant Director of Sports.
The appointments were announced by the movement’s National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response, Bashir Ahmad.
The development quickly attracted attention from football followers, with fans taking to social media to share different views about the decision to bring two former Super Eagles players into the leadership of a political support movement.
For many football followers, the appointments represent a new direction for Abdullahi and Omeruo as they move from their careers on the football pitch into roles connected to sports and political mobilisation.
The City Boy Movement has been described as a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, with its activities also linked to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The involvement of the two former Super Eagles stars has therefore brought sports and politics into the same conversation, with fans debating what their new roles could mean for their post-playing careers.
Abdullahi represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, while Omeruo featured at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their new appointments come at a time when political groups are strengthening their structures ahead of the 2027 elections. The City Boy Movement has continued to expand its national leadership, with the latest appointments adding two familiar names from Nigerian football to its sports directorate.
As reactions continue, attention will now be on how Abdullahi and Omeruo approach their new responsibilities and whether their experience in football will translate into activities focused on sports and youth engagement within the movement.
