I don't count myself as someone who's patriotic, especially when it comes to political matters, but when it comes to rooting for the Nigerian team in any sporting event, I'm always on the frontlines. My friends here who know me to my WhatsApp status can attest to how disturbing I can be whenever it's time for a Nigerian match, be it at the junior or senior levels, and also for female teams...as we just got knocked out in the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.
I was still a baby when one of the biggest victories in Nigerian football was recorded. In fact, I didn't know the big value of the Olympics tournament until some years ago, when I saw how it's measured, like that of the FIFA World Cup.
Ever since then, I don't miss any tournaments, and I enjoy all the sporting activities. The previous one, Tokyo 2020, was massively enjoyed because I got to introduce a lot of people (ladies) to it, and for the first time, they preferred to watch sports to Africa Magic.
Take me back to Atlanta in 1996!
The first and only time Nigerians have won a gold medal in Olympic history was in 1996. The tournament was hosted in Atlanta, and all the highly rated top countries when it comes to football, were there, and it makes someone wonder: how did Nigeria pass through the horrific road to clinch the medal?because we were the least of the underdogs. The truth is that, the squad that made the magic is still referred to as the best Nigerian football squad, with the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Taribo West, Sunday Oliseh, and others.
The final match was between Nigeria and Argentina, which ended 3:2 in favour of Nigeria. But before the final match, the most talked-about match is the semi-final between Nigeria and Brazil.
The match was so interesting, suspenseful, and emotional to the point that a song was generated from it.
🎶When Nigeria win Brazil, When Nigeria win Brazil ooo, Bebeto dey cry....🎶
I just wish I was grown and sensible then.
I have a review clip done by my favourite comedian, Bovi, that I usually fall back to anytime I want to feel the historical winning feelings.
Lessons to be learned
In my country, Nigeria, football is the major thing that unites us. I'm imagining that kind of togetherness the winning of that match pulled up. I think a public holiday was declared all over the country to celebrate the victory.
Like I stated above, football binds us together as a country, especially when it comes to winning. Whenever it comes to Nigeria playing on the world stage, you will see everyone vibing for the team. People will come out to do giveaways of data and cash prizes to fans and supporters. Top commercial companies like banks and telecommunications companies would all step up to cheer the country.
Even the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup that Nigeria got knocked out of some days ago saw the nation as a whole coming together and rooting for the girls.
Nothing unites us more than football!
Thanks for reading.