From January 19 to February 10, 2013, attention will be shifted to South Africa where the 29th edition of the African Cup of Nations will be played. Libya was earlier billed to host it, but it was moved because of the civil war in that country. Sixteen countries will be competing, but there will be only one winner. After missing out on the last Nations Cup, the Super Eagles will be present to stake a claim to the trophy they last won in Tunisia about 20 years ago; their first ever triumph being in 1980 on home soil.
They have come so close to winning a third time, notably that heart-breaking final against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in Lagos in 2000. Nigeria has won many bronze medals and the joke is that Nigeria has rested that medal. For gold-starved Nigerians, only the best will do. But more than what will be won, the game reminds us all of our oneness.
There is nothing that unites like football. While the football fiesta lasts, our differences will be forgotten. Sworn enemies will hug themselves in celebration of goals. Chinua Achebe’s book, There was a country, which has generated a lot of controversy will not matter anymore. Even our disdain for our leaders will be pushed to a corner. Those who throw bombs may not even remember where their cache is. That is the power of football.
It is not only in Nigeria that this game unites. We will recall that in Ivory Coast, there was a civil war that wrecked the once stable country, following a military coup in 1999, and the power tussle that followed reawakened ethnic divisions. Before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ivory Coast was already divided in two: one part was controlled by the rebel army, another half by government forces. With the qualification of the Ivorien team for the competition, the Elephants became a symbol that united all the warring parties.
Even the age-long conflict in the Middle East bowed to football. During one of the conflicts between Israel and Palestine, soldiers of the two nations were seen in a Gaza viewing centre watching Manchester United play against another Premier League club.
The powerful uniting effect of football did not start today. Though the recruitment of British soldiers for World War I in 1914 was largely through football, as posters were put at football grounds urging fit young men to enlist, and many signed through football organisations, it still became a unifying force between Britain and Germany’s armies during the remarkable truce on the Western front that Christmas. British and German soldiers who, moments before were shooting to kill one another, came out of their trenches and played football together. It was wonderful to behold.
There was still another nation in conflict, but when their team played a football match, an international magazine pictured the people at the stands, and headlined: “All together now.” And I chuckled. But our togetherness should not only be for now. It should be for always, football or no football.
You will see the players shaking hands before kicking the ball. It says our friendship comes first. You will see the Mexicans wave, flowing from stand to stand. It is a human motion of unity and love. National flags will all stand, flying at full mast. It says we will stand as one, united through football. Contacts will be established; long-lasting friendships will be made. Memories are made of this.
The ball is round, so is our world. Indeed, our world can be a better place. Let us enjoy this beautiful game, a game with the power like no other to unite and still hope the Super Eagles will do us proud by bringing the elusive trophy home.
And however it turns out, in all we do, let the thought of the round leather game always nudge us to treat our fellow humans well; let us always make sure the mantle of love remains worn in our churches, mosques, offices, public places and everywhere we meet. And let the games begin!
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
UK Police Recover Body Of 16Yr Old British-Nigerian Boy Who Drowned In A Lake
PHOTOS: Young Woman Brutally Murdered By Suspected Ritualists, Priv@te Part Removed In Ogun
Lovely Video Of Singer Davido And His Wife, Chioma Vibing To His Song
Woman Slams Her Husband For Allegedly Having Unprotected S3x With Random Girls After Publicly Apologizing To Her
Actress, Laide Bakare Crowned UN Ambassador Of Peace
Actress, Uche Montana Celebrates Birthday With New Stunning Photos
VIDEO: President Tinubu Conferred With a Chieftaincy Title in Anambra State
Passengers Killed, Vehicles Set Ablaze As Gunmen Attack Commercial Bus in Imo