Nigeria’s King Fuels AFCON Fire: Olu of Warri’s “Pitch Na Pitch” Dig at Morocco Ahead of Semis

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are flying into a monumental Africa Cup of Nations semi final against host nation Morocco, backed by a royally bullish war cry from the Olu of Warri. The traditional ruler tossed diplomacy aside with a street smart take that has gone viral across the nation.

The Eagles booked their last four spot with a solid 2-0 quarter final win over Algeria’s Desert Foxes last Saturday. Now, a daunting trip to face the Atlas Lions in their own backyard awaits, but the monarch from Warri isn’t buying into any intimidation.

In a punchy interview with BBC Pidgin, the Olu reflected on watching the side for 26 years and reckons this is a different, tougher Nigeria. But it was his take on the looming clash that has got everyone talking. “Yes we are playing the host. I understand the psychological wateva,” he said. “Men dey. Pitch na pitch and that pitch is green. Na we get green no be Morocco. I no go talk more than that.”

His comments, mixing defiance with a clear nod to Nigeria’s iconic green kit, has sparked a social media storm. Fans have been quick to latch onto the “Pitch na pitch” line as a new rallying cry. One supporter, @Very Goofy Girl, posted: “Pitch na Pitch! Men Dey!!!! Fr!… The land is green! The pitch is green!! Naija is green!!!”

However, not everyone in the replies was sharing the confidence. A user named @Magicmen_private_chatbox hinted at the high stakes tension, writing: “Me I play Morocco to win oooh, i put 500k abeg make Una calm down make Nigeria lose abeg.” Others simply praised the Olu’s charismatic delivery, with @Chuks Interiors noting his “fluency and confidence.”

The context is everything. Morocco are not only hosts but one of the world’s top-ranked sides, and the atmosphere will be ferocious. Yet, in Jose Peseiro, Nigeria has a manager who has finally forged a resilient unit. The defence has been mean, and in attack, the likes of Victor Osimhen are always a threat. They’ll need all that and more on Wednesday.

Whoever wins this epic clash becomes instant favourites for the AFCON 2025 crown. For Nigeria, a final spot would signal a return to the continent’s very peak. And they’ll run out knowing that back home, royalty has already declared: the colour of the pitch is green.