The revered monarch of the Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the host nation, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, for a place in the tournament's final.
Monarch's Confident Declaration on the Eve of Battle
In an exclusive interview with BBC Pidgin, the Olu of Warri reflected on the evolution of the Nigerian national team over the 26 years he has been an avid football follower. However, it was his direct and philosophical comment on the impending clash with Morocco that captured the nation's attention and set social media abuzz.
Addressing the potential psychological advantage of playing against the host country, the monarch stated with characteristic confidence: "Yes we are playing the host. I understand the psychological wateva. Men dey. Pitch na pitch and that pitch is green. Na we get green no be Morocco. I no go talk more than that."
This succinct statement, emphasizing the presence of capable men ("Men Dey") and the shared, neutral ground of the green pitch, was interpreted by many as a rallying cry and a display of unwavering belief in the Super Eagles' abilities.
Nigerians React to Royal Commentary
The Olu's words quickly ignited a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with citizens expressing a mix of amusement, agreement, and admiration for his delivery.
One user, @Okiemute makataya, humorously noted the monarch's cautious optimism, commenting: "Even our king self fear to predict the game.. long live your highness sir. Migwor."
Another user, @Very Goofy Girl, enthusiastically embraced the symbolism: "Pitch na Pitch! Men Dey!!!! Fr! As a young lady in her twenties, I must say this has been the best I’ve also seen Super Eagles play since I started watching them. The land is green! The pitch is green!! Naija is green!!!"
The commentary also sparked personal football memories, with @Wake up callers recalling: "I don Dey watch dem since 1989 Saudi 89 was when I first had iron accident because of that day final and we won when I was in the most serious bunt pain from the pressing iron injury I go because of goal celebration."
Beyond the match analysis, many, like @Chuks Interiors, praised the monarch's persona: "From his handsomeness to his fluency and confidence. This man’s aura is just something else. Royalty indeed."
Road to the Semi-Finals
The Super Eagles earned their semi-final berth with a convincing 2-0 victory over the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 10 January 2026. This solid performance has buoyed the hopes of millions of Nigerians who now look forward to the clash with Morocco.
The interview comes amid other pre-match narratives, including predictions from a man who correctly foresaw the Nigeria-Algeria result and messages from prophets analyzing the team's chances. The Olu of Warri's entry into the conversation adds a unique cultural and traditional perspective to the national football discourse, blending royalty with the passion of the common fan.
As the nation holds its breath for the Wednesday showdown, the words of the Warri monarch—"Pitch na pitch. Men dey"—have become a succinct encapsulation of the hopeful, resilient, and confident spirit driving the Super Eagles and their supporters forward.
