The much talked about match between Usman and Masvida generated so many reactions across Nigeria. The reason for that was not far fetched because Nigeria’s image in the global community has not been at its best in recent times.
Stories of how the famous Hushpuppi, a Nigerian plotted to defraud internationally reputable companies of billions of dollars was trending online. It was seen as an embarrassment to Nigeria. Even the anti corruption chief in Nigeria Ibrahim Magu is on the ropes for corruption too.
However, Nigeria saw the Usman Vrs Masvida fight as the best chance for Nigeria to redeem its highly battered image on the global scene. Usman was born in Nigeria, Edo state, Auchi in 1987.
The Nigerian government wished him success in the match which will determine who goes home with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The Entire nation especially in the media was in jubilation after Usman emerged victorious.
Hours after his victory, the Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari through his spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu congratulated him on his victory. They were proud that the world would have something positive to say about Nigerians because of the victory.
Nigerians living in Dubai had complained that following the arrest of Hushpuppi, discrimination against Nigerians had increased in Dubai. This was because of the negative perception that Huspuppi’s action created.
However, Usmans UFC’s victory has changed a lot by bringing some good news about Nigerians into the public space.
The match would have generated more media attention but it did not because of the effects of the lock down that had made topics on covid19 to be trending. But that did not stop Nigerians from celebrating their hero.
Nigeria often celebrates citizen that are outstanding in their performances on the international scene like in the Usman vrs Masvida match. They did the same for Anthony Joshua and they will keep doing to to encourage positive values among citizens.
