In contemporary Nigerian slang, the word “cruise” is often used to dismiss an issue as unserious or humorous. While humour has its place in any society, the excessive and careless use of this word has gradually normalised unseriousness in spaces that demand responsibility, professionalism, and national pride.
Today, many Nigerians use “cruise” in three main ways: to mask shame after wrongdoing, to excuse ignorance of serious issues, or to laugh at genuinely funny situations. The danger lies not in humour itself, but in the first two uses, where accountability and awareness are sacrificed on the altar of laughter.
On social media, it has become common for individuals to insult others and later retreat behind the phrase “na cruise” when confronted. This behaviour reflects a growing unwillingness to take responsibility for one’s actions. Instead of apologies or reflection, mockery is offered as a shield.
This culture of unseriousness becomes far more troubling when it extends to national institutions. A recent example can be found on the official social media page of the Nigeria men’s football team NG_SUPEREAGLES . Following Nigeria’s victory in an international match vs Uganda on December 30, 2025, an outstanding Nigerian player by the name of Raphael Onyedika was celebrated with a post that photoshopped his face onto that of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário.
While some may view this as harmless fun, it represents a deeper issue of unprofessionalism and misplaced priorities. Nigeria is a nation rich in football history and legends. An official national team platform should celebrate Nigerian excellence by referencing our own icons, not by borrowing the image of another country’s hero.
Official national team pages are not fan pages. They are institutional platforms that project national identity, values, and pride to the world. A review of other national teams’ social media pages shows that such content would be unacceptable elsewhere. Standards exist for a reason.
More concerning was the public reaction. The post attracted thousands of likes and comments, many filled with laughter and “cruise catching.” Those who questioned the appropriateness of the post were attacked and dismissed. This reaction highlights how deeply the culture of unseriousness has penetrated public consciousness.
To illustrate the issue clearly: if the English Football Association posted an England player edited into the image of Messi or Ronaldo, the social media handler would likely be dismissed immediately. This would not be seen as humour, but as a failure of patriotism and professionalism.
If Nigerians genuinely desire progress, we must recognise that not everything should be treated as cruise. Our national institutions deserve competence, discernment, and respect. The NFF, and institutions like it, must ensure that those entrusted with representing Nigeria understand the weight of that responsibility.
A better Nigeria cannot be built on jokes alone.