Twitter users’ hashtag campaign to draw attention to the kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolgirls in Nigeria had received global attention.
Now, at the biggest, and most watched sporting event in the world, the campaign has surfaced again with several fans attending Nigeria’s matches at the World Cup seen holding banners in support of the abducted girls.
A poster bearing the simple message of ‘#Bring Back Our Girls’ was first seen at Nigeria’s opening match against Iran on June 17 at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba. The match ended in a goalless draw.
When the Super Eagles took to the field against Bosnia Herzergovinia on June 21 at Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, at least three separate banners were photographed being held by fans.
The first had the hashtag message scribbled on a large Nigeria flag, while a second was seen on a banner.
A third poster bearing the words ‘World Unites Against Boko Haram’ was held by a separate group of Nigeria fans at the same venue.
The kidnapping by militant group Boko Haram, took place on April 14 and the #bringbackourgirls Twitter campaign received widespread attention after it was launched two weeks later, with US First Lady Michelle Obama also lending her support.
Nigeria are slated to take on tournament favourites Argentina on June 25, and could reach the knockout stages if they can avoid defeat.
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