A well-known TV personality in the US has come under fire for mocking the names of Nigeria’s basketball players, following the African side’s historic win over the US in a friendly at the weekend.
Stephen A Smith said the US’s “bona fide stars” had “no excuse to lose to Nigeria… some dude named Gabe Nnamdi who goes by Gabe Vincent, Caleb Ogada, uh… Namu- or however the hell you pronounce his name”.
Smith later tweeted suggesting he had been misunderstood, adding that he would apologise if he had unintentionally caused offence “because it’s the right thing to do. Period! I’m BLACK. I would know!”
Many fans online were unconvinced.
“Being Black doesn’t mean you can’t be xenophobic though. Your intent is irrelevant. Your words carry weight and sent the absolute wrong message,” replied Twitter user Erika K Wilson.
“For someone that preaches equality, you sure know how to divide,” said Dom Tyrone.
Meanwhile another US commentator reacting to the match, Kelvin Clancy, angered many by questioning whether Nigerians even have food.
He was swiftly cut down by Nigerian personality Frank Edoho, who said “I guess we were hungry for it”.
