Nigerians Beyond AFCON Final: By Blessing Adegbite

Amid the deafening roars of football fans and the pulsating rhythms of African drums, the Super Eagles of Nigeria etched their name in the annals of the African Cup of Nations.

Despite the prevailing harsh economy and the grave concern of increasing security challenges, Nigerians were not deterred, supporting and gunning for the Super Eagles' fourth title against Ivory Coast on Sunday night AFCON final between the two nations.

No doubt football, also known as soccer, is more than just a game. It is a universal language that connects people from different countries, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Regardless of where you are from or what language you speak, the passion for football is something that transcends barriers and unites individuals all over the world. 

Football has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is believed to have originated in ancient times, with variations of the game being played in different civilizations. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that football began to take shape as a global sport.

The history of football as a global sport is a fascinating journey. From its humble beginnings to its current status as the most popular sport in the world, football has evolved and adapted to the changing times. In the late 1800s, football’s influence started to transcend borders. It made its way to different continents, captivating the imagination of people from diverse cultures. The game’s simplicity and universal appeal made it a perfect candidate for global recognition.

As the sport gained momentum, countries began establishing their own football associations and leagues. These organizations provided a platform for local talent to showcase their skills and compete at a national level. The rise of these leagues contributed to the growth of football as a global phenomenon.

One of the most remarkable aspects of football is its ability to break down cultural barriers. When people come together to play or watch a match, nationalities and cultural differences become secondary to the shared love for the game. Football has a unique power to unite people from all walks of life. It fosters a sense of belonging and unity among individuals, regardless of their background. The sight of fans cheering side by side, waving flags of different nations, is a testament to the unifying force of the beautiful game.

 Moreover, football serves as a platform for cultural exchange. When teams from different countries compete, fans and players alike get the opportunity to learn about different traditions and customs. This exchange promotes mutual understanding and respect, challenging cultural stereotypes along the way.

Furthermore, football celebrates diversity. Teams are often comprised of players from various backgrounds, enhancing inclusivity and promoting multiculturalism. The sport embraces individuals of different races, religions, and ethnicities, showcasing the beauty of harmonious coexistence.

Nigeria's Super Eagles secure their place in the AFCON finals after a thrilling semi-final match against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, resulting in a 4-2 penalty shootout. The victory ignited a wave of cultural exchanges between Nigerians and South Africans on social media, highlighting the friendly rivalry and competitive spirit between the two nations.

In an adrenaline-fueled semi-final match against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, Nigeria emerged victorious after a dramatic 1-1 draw that culminated in a nerve-wracking 4-2 penalty shootout.

Nigeria are taking on hosts Ivory Coast in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, 11 February, as the curtain falls on an exciting 34th edition of the continental finals.

Sunday's match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium will pit two teams against each other in contrasting form.

Nigeria started AFCON 2024 slowly but ultimately got better as the competition went on, and after several of the pre-tournament favourites were sent home early, the Super Eagles were the favourites by the time the quarter-finals started.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, qualified for the last 16 as one of the lucky third-place teams but has since got the grit between its teeth and are looking rejuvenated.

Interestingly, the teams had met in the group stage – with the Super Eagles winning 1-0 – and it will be the fourth time that Nigeria will face a team they met at the group stage, in the final.

Back in 1988, Nigeria had drawn 1-1 with Cameroon in Group B of the competition hosted by Morocco and then went on to play the same team in the final. 

Two years later, in Algeria, Nigeria played against the hosts and then played the same team in the final.

The third instance was in South Africa back in 2013 when Nigeria played against Burkina Faso in the group stage before beating the same team in the final.

Nigeria are gunning for a fourth title, and Ivory Coast are chasing their third, with a chance to avenge their earlier defeat.

As anticipation continues to grow for this memorable battle between the two African giants, what becomes the hope of Nigerians beyond AFCON Final?

The prevailing harsh economy, increasing security challenges, kiddinaping, and suffering in the country is becoming unbearable to ordinary Nigerians.

Recently angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital,Osun, Abuja, Ogun and Kano to protest what they described as the rising cost of living in the country.

Similar protests also erupted in Ondo State in the southwestern part of the country.

In Niger, a group of women reportedly blocked the ever-busy Minna-Bida Road at the famous Kpakungu Roundabout and called on the Tinubu administration to address the challenge of ‘hunger in the land.’ The mob deflected attempts to quell the protest by security operatives who fired tear gas canisters into the crowd and arrested others.

In the face of this, the Northern CAN, in a statement released by its Secretary-General, Elder Sunday Oibe, in Kaduna, called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, step in and address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.

According to the organisation Secretary, the suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians as the high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services have made life difficult for many Nigerians.

All these, he argued, were being compounded by the escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnapping for ransom.

The statement is entitled, “The Federal Government should urgently address the escalating insecurity and hunger in the country.”

It said, “The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory wishes to express its deep concern over the prevailing economic hardship and the increasing security challenges across the country.

The suffering in the country is becoming unbearable for ordinary Nigerians. The high cost of foodstuffs, transportation, goods, and services has made life difficult for many Nigerians.

The epileptic power supply has led to the collapse of many small businesses.

The continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation has completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

Unless justice is done, by ensuring that the perpetrators and whoever are the sponsors are brought to book, all the talks about peace may be mere rhetorics.

Beyond the much anticipated victory of the Super Eagles against Ivory Coast on Sunday, what becomes the situation of ordinary Nigerians after the 90 minutes of play?

Government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should give Nigerians a reason to smile beyond the enthusiasm to watch the final match on Sunday. 

A call on Mr President for a partial or temporary reintroduction of fuel subsidy and reopening of the land borders for importation of foodstuffs, this will bring a relief to hungry and suffering of Nigerians.

After which the President Economic team can work out a possible and effective  modalities for a total removal of fuel subsidy and closure of the land borders.

I wish the Nigeria Super Eagles victory has they battle Ivory Coast to left their fourth title in Cote D'Ivoire today.

God Bless Nigeria!

By Blessing Adegbite, 

A Community Journalist, Writes From Osogbo, Osun State. 

Kingadexzy@gmail.com 

08066619902.