Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has explained that his decision not to shake hands with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf was out of "cultural respect," contrary to the controversy it generated on social media.
A video of Musa at the Kano State Government House last month sparked controversy after he was seen bowing to the governor without exchanging handshakes.
In a statement on Tuesday, Musa clarified that the gesture was a sign of respect for Governor Abba, in line with Northern culture, where actions like kneeling and shaking hands signify the highest form of respect.
“It has come to my attention that a moment captured almost a month ago has unexpectedly become the center of attention on social media. It’s disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion. In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc signifies the highest form of respect,” he wrote on his X handle.
“This was my intention when I greeted the Deputy Governor in such a manner. However, when it came to greeting the Governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honoring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition.”
Musa described the controversy surrounding the video as "unfortunate," particularly given Nigeria's current challenges.
“What’s even more disheartening are the comments questioning my respectfulness, especially from those who don’t know me personally. 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?”
“I urge us all to channel our collective efforts towards addressing the real issues at hand. Let’s focus on uplifting one another, fostering unity, and working towards a better future for all. And with this, I rest my case,” the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner concluded.
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