Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-03 03:54:54
I have an aversion to football matches against Angola due to the tragic events of August 19, 1989, at the National Stadium in Lagos, which resulted in the death of Nigeria’s talented midfielder Samuel Okwaraji. I still grapple with the sorrow that overwhelms me whenever the Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Palancas Negras of Angola. In an unusual predicament, I am writing this on a Thursday, unable to preview the match against Angola on Friday as this article will be published on Saturday. Thus, it is impossible for me to predict the outcome of the crucial match between both countries.
My unease with Angola is deeply rooted after the unfortunate incident of August 19, 1989, in Lagos. This has tainted any mention of the country with a negative connotation in my mind. As if in a trance, Nigeria hosted their last qualifying World Cup match in Kano, an unfavorable decision that ultimately caused the team’s loss in a draw against Angola, thwarting Nigeria’s hopes of going to the 2006 World Cup.
For years, I have harbored negative sentiments towards Nigeria playing against Angola, considering them an unfamiliar and unpredicted threat to Nigeria’s football success. This article neither previews nor reviews the match, nor does it attempt to predict the results. I have my valid reasons to dislike Nigeria playing against Angola.
The stakes remain high as the Angolans, who have grown in prowess, are now formidable opponents. However, I remain hopeful that by the time this article is read, the Antelopes will have joined the list of defeated teams, adding to Nigeria’s unstoppable march to claim the AFCON 2023 trophy.
My original plan was to embark on a flamboyant roadshow from Lagos to Abidjan, painting AFCON 2023 in the national colors, but unfortunately, this had to be de-escalated due to logistical issues. Instead, I engaged with Nigerian supporters in Cote d’Ivoire, rallying them to show their support for the Nigerian national team in their quest for victory in AFCON 2023.
I refrained from visiting the Eagles Camp in light of Nigeria’s recent victory against Cameroun as I anticipated a surge of dignitaries showing their support to the players. Instead, I sent a message to the team captain, conveying my well wishes, to which he responded with gratitude and confidence in their performance. It is my fervent hope that their promise for success was fulfilled.
In conclusion, I still hold a sense of unease and apprehension towards Nigeria playing against Angola, however, I maintain hope and confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to secure victory in the competition.
