Ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri has blamed the presence of former presidential candidate Peter Obi at the stadium in Uyo for the failure of the Super Eagles to beat Zimbabwe.

According to him, Obi's presence connoted politics which doesn't mix mix football.

He said this on Facebook after Nigeria drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe on Tuesday in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

He wrote, "On a serious note, Peter Obi should not have gone to the stadium. It is not just that he was there. He made an effort to make his presence known and felt. He even gave an impromptu interview/cameo appearance for the cameras right there at the stadium. This match was about Nigeria, not him. And even if he had to go, he should have kept a low profile. Politics and football do not mix. The players needed to be focused on the game. Politicians drain morale. It would be different if he were President. A President embodies Nigeria. Peter Obi embodies division. Now, look at the result. A team that handily beat Rwanda in Kigali could only manage a draw against visiting Zimbabwe in their own country. At least Peter should have learnt from the possible effect his presence had at the AFCON final match when we lost to Ivory Coast."

ASA