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Islamic Nigeria versus Chile at FIFA U 20 Cup: A Rejoinder By Faruk Buba Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
It is generally true that no game like football unite Nigerians especially during international competitions. I have been supporting all Nigerian teams for a long time irrespective of the composition of the team. However, I was saddened and wept for my nation after reading an article written by Ehi Aimuwu who is apparently living in the United States of America. I took exception to the article because an elite like the author should write with all sense of responsibility rather than using sentiments and mischievous contents that will not promote our progress as a nation. The speed at which the article was posted on the website of Nigeriaworld on 16 TH July 16, 2007 and within twelve hours of the game appeared to me that the article was prepared well in advance. The author was just waiting for the failure of the team to post the article on the internet probably in concordance with the bleak wish of his hero, Samson Siasia.
I would like to congratulate the players and handlers of the team for doing our country proud in participating and reaching the quarterfinals in spite of reorganization of the team and logistic problems to the build up of the competition. This competition is meant to discover talents and also allow these young lads to have experience at this level so as to prepare them for a productive career in the game. The outcome of games in football is occasionally unpredictable as I thought we were almost likely to win in regulation time before some mistakes in the extra time. I felt some form of consolation despite the loss because fifteen minutes after our game, I watched the Copa America final between Brazil and Argentina. Argentina came into the competition as awesome favourites against a depleted Brazilian side. However after ninety minutes, the result was Brazil 3 Argentina 0. The leather game can subdue even shining stars of the moment.
The names like Akeem, Bala, Bello, Salami and Sadiq really deserved their places in the team as they played well and contributed immensely before their exit. The latter, was very decisive as a sweeper at the back and he made impressive tackles before the challenge that led to a penalty in the game. The author may recall that we lost at the finals two years ago via two penalties which resulted from two naïve tackles on Lionel Messi. These tackles were not by Sani Kaita who was the lone player in the team from northern Nigeria or the faith being blamed for the exit of the team. Showing Allah is great on Suraj's T-shirt is his fundamental right. It is pertinent to note that muslims remain faithful and remember their Creator in all situations. The Odiye own goal that broke our hearts and the missed opportunity to play for the first time in FIFA organized world cup was never blamed on any section of the country or any faith. Therefore I see no justification of the author's outbursts.
Common to all nations in Africa, is the reality that we are still way back in terms of coaching instructions and organizational abilities. However, we should give kudos to Isa Ladan Bosso and his team for taking the challenge to serve our nation within short period of time. This fact was even observed on several occasions by the British TV commentators in all the matches involving Nigeria. Ladan Bosso is an independent person with astute tactical abilities. The memory of the last game between Wikki Tourists and Rangers International in this year's super four still lingers as their bench decisively defeated a combined bench of Okechukwu Imordi and Alphonsus Dike to clinch continental slot. In addition, the successes of both the Super Eagles in 1994 and Olympic team in 1996 may well be credited to organizational ability of Sani Ahmed Toro who did not play at any international level previously. Mallam Toro is arguably the best Secretary General so far at the Glass House.
Finally I strongly believe that what we need is to work hand in hand in order to achieve our dreams. We should think beyond parochial divides if we are to progress like other developed nations. The author should always think like a Nigerian as for example if a prostitute is repatriated from Italy, or a Nigerian is involved in drug trafficking in Singapore one section of the country will not point accusing finger to other. We all try collectively to solve our problems. Looking forward to reading from the author on constructive articles for our beloved nation.
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