Kai, e no go better for them mama!!
Chineke, these boys don kill me!!
Siasia, must go!!
See us, Eagles yab!!
Na lie, na draw, TB Joshua, e no go better for you oooo!!!
Osaze, G@#$% go punish you and them!!
NFF must go!!
No be only us nah!, Egypt, South Africa, Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco no go sef, ehne, make another person win am jor (text message)
These were some of the very disturbing reactions from Nigerians whom I met, and was accosted by, yesterday evening after the dismal outing of the African Nations cup qualifier match at the Abuja Stadium..... I was saddened, I watched a group of young men, who had the ability to perform, work against the overall objective of their coach, the FA and nation. We missed so many chances of winning the game, that unfortunately, we drew and were knocked out. Soon afterwards, the rumor mill ran amok, with tales that some starting players disregarded camp rules and party-ed till the wee hours of the morning, some outlandish tales were making the rounds about the open boasting and dollar "dashing spree" to women of easy virtues, by some of our key players, in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, Abuja (watch this space, when I know more, you certainly will).
The match was indeed, one of the worse performances by a team that had something to prove to its people, and itself. There were several controversies surrounding the behavior of key players in the squad and the coaches responses, in the weeks and days leading to this match. The team could be considered, to be the best available legs we could field for a match of this nature. But again, Ce la vie! What has happened, has happened, the question is, can we take some lessons from the match and effect the changes needed in the transition exercise.
Nigerians have to learn that we cannot win every game, and we will lose some key matches, and we must also understand that our country as a whole is in a bad shape. The national psyche and culture is distorted, and our sense of value is very warped.
Someone I respect a lot, made a statement at the stadium during the game, "Football is the bastard relative of the situation, that is the "Representative" of the issues facing the Nigerian state". I have since been hounded by this statement, and as a follow up, I asked him, what the price of patriotism would then be??? He cynically laughed and responded, "As from tomorrow, the trial of the Sanhedrin will begin, we are on our way to Golgotha, to crucify your friend, Samson!".
Are these statements true??? Is this what Nigeria has been reduced to?? A nation that is so impatient, so cynical, that it will only stand by its man in good times only?? are we a nation that has no more commonsense??? are our leaders so out of tune, and misaligned that they live in a parallel space, and have no understanding of what it takes to drive the right type of values and order in the land.... Are we a failed state?? that our people have no moral, constitutional and humane compass??? What has gone wrong with patriotism. When we all band by ourselves and understand that the loss of one game is not the end of the world. ...
Yesterday, I saw raw emotions from Nigerians, the ugly, bitter and dangerously dirty side of us, as a people. From the players on the field, to our so-called-state box "jollofing" leaders, to the fans..... I was sitting with friends, and was amazed at the level of insults and verbal cruxifiction they meted on Samson and the Eagles.
I know we are a very emotional bunch and can get carried away when things don't go our way, but for the first time, I was shocked. For half the time, l watched as officials of the Nigerian state (those who are morally deficient) heap blame on the eagles. They cursed, yelled and threatened to have the coach sacked, removed and some things I cannot even begin to ascribe words to. I was left shocked, saddened and speachless..... What is it worth to Nigerians to support this country??. when would it be right enough to stand by this country we call our own?. What would it take for Nigerians to learn that even in defeat and loss, we must remember to be objective, in our criticism, and have it in the back of our minds that we can only get better.....
Nigerians must learn that a rebuilding program is 10 times harder than starting something fresh. we have decided to change the course of the country, but it is going to be painful, tough, and a very trying and difficult period for everyone. During the course of transition, things will happen that will test our belief in the project, we must not lose faith, have hope and believe this is for our own good. Yesterday, the team played badly, on Tuesday, they have another date with Ghana in London, how do we send them off to that match???
As critical as I have been about sports and its management, I must admit that this country needs us all. To rid our sports of idiotic and unfocused individuals, we have to bound together, work hand in hand, and rid ourselves of people, practices and other vices bedeviling our sports industry (and the Nigeria project at large).
Lets all stand behind this fallen EAGLE, its pride is hurt, its aching and needs our help, to right its path, heal its wounds, and guide its flight.
God bless the Nigerians and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, and God Bless the Nigerian state, in what form it eventually decides to remain.......... We must bleed green, white and green at all times, no matter what.....
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