Soldier’s Cry: No Recognition Despite Bullet in Body, As Tinubu Honors Super Eagles land, property

In a poignant revelation, Nigerian soldier Adie Paul has voiced his discontent over what he perceives as a lack of recognition for soldiers, despite their sacrifices, amidst the celebration of the Super Eagles’ achievements. This outcry comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s gesture of awarding the Super Eagles team members the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honor for their performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

President Tinubu’s grand reception of the national football team, held at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja, followed their commendable display despite their loss in the AFCON final in Côte d’Ivoire. During this event, President Tinubu made headlines by announcing the allocation of a flat and a plot of land to each Super Eagles player, further emphasizing their sportsmanship, resilience, and team spirit throughout the tournament.

However, Adie Paul’s criticism highlights a stark contrast between the accolades bestowed upon athletes and the lack of recognition for soldiers like himself, who have been deployed to the Northern region of the country to combat terrorism. Expressing his frustration, Adie Paul revealed that he sustained a bullet injury while serving in the North East and continues to carry the bullet in his body to this day. Despite his sacrifice and years of service fighting Boko Haram insurgents, Adie Paul laments the absence of any acknowledgment or honor from the Army or the Nigerian government.

This disparity in recognition between athletes and soldiers underscores deeper issues of appreciation and acknowledgment for those serving on the frontlines in Nigeria. While the achievements of the Super Eagles are celebrated and rewarded, the sacrifices and struggles of soldiers like Adie Paul remain largely overlooked. As the nation celebrates sporting triumphs, Adie Paul’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unsung heroes who continue to endure and sacrifice for the security and well-being of the country.