Ahmed Musa, the captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has spoken out about a video showing him declining to shake hands with Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano state.
As spotted by Beyond Boders, the video which circulated on social media over the weekend, captured Musa bowing respectfully to Amini Gwarzo, Kano’s deputy governor, but opting not to shake hands with Governor Yusuf.
Reactions to the video were mixed, with many people criticizing Musa for what they saw as disrespect towards the governor.
However, Musa took to his social media account to explain that his gesture was a sign of deep cultural respect, not disrespect.
He tweeted that the video that has caused a stir was “a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion,” chosing to “bow and not shake his hands, honouring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition.”
Musa emphasized that in Northern Nigerian culture, gestures like kneeling and shaking hands symbolize the highest form of respect.
He chose to bow instead of shaking hands with Governor Yusuf as a way to honour him in accordance with tradition.
Musa expressed disappointment at the negative comments he received on social media, especially from those who do not know him personally.
He urged Nigerians to focus their energy on solving societal problems rather than being distracted by minor issues, stating, “Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on where we choose to direct our energy. Shouldn’t it be towards finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society rather than getting caught up in needless distractions?”
