The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the 2018 world cup tournament in Russia following their 1-0 win against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Group B on Saturday, 7th October, in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.
With a 74th minute strike from Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, the win earned Super Eagles an unassailable 13 points and a ticket to the world cup.
Though it was not one of the most convincing performances as the visiting team from Zambia gave them a run for their money, the Super Eagles strove hard enough to secure a 1-0 win.
Torrents of congratulatory messages poured in over the weekend from all angles. Our dear president, Muhammadu Buhari,while congratulating the Eagles, described the victory as “sweet, soothing and a 57th independence anniversary gift to the nation.” He called on Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches to all sections of national life.
As Nigerians from all walks of life continue to bask in the euphoria of that historic feat, it is pertinent to observe that indispensable lessons can be drawn from that scenario.
Taking a look at the 90 minutes battle, one could notice great moral values of determination to succeed; the team spirit, resilience, focus, hard work and unity of purpose. They all had one goal, and that was to achieve victory before the last whistle.
As the battle raged on, on the pitch in Uyo, there was no shout of an Igbo ethnic groups or Yoruba tribe, or Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe, Ijaw, Ibibio, Ebira, Igala, Idoma tribes. There was also no shout of Muslim or Christian majorities; Northerners or Southerners. The only participants in that match were Nigerians who were simply playing in the over all interest of their nation: Nigeria. Everybody was carried along. Football, no wonder they say, remains a unifying factor.
The Zambian coach, Wedson Nyirenga, while congratulating the Eagles on their victory, observed that the Nigerian side used their experience to carry the day. His words: “We played the game, dominating Nigeria, but with their experience, they got the needed goal from the half chance they created.”
That valid observation reminds us that the players were selected rather on the basis of merit and experience, ruling out the mundane issues of religious or ethnic considerations, or even intimacy with the coach.
With the indices so far outlined, Nigeria, with huge potentials, stands to make progress only if those in authorities, rather than lean on certain mediocres under any consideration, decide to use square pegs in square holes in the configuration of their cabinets.
Where a sitting president or governor resorts to compensating members of his ethnic stock, religious organization or other associates with political appointments amounts to sacrificing merit on the altar of nepotism.
All these shenanigans have continued to becloud the vision of our leaders, thereby creating a clog in the wheel of national progress and development.
Most disappointing to note is the fact that certain mischievous individuals use the instrument of power to settle political scores. They achieve this by scheming out their perceived enemies.
On the other hand, their cronies are usually rewarded with plum jobs notwithstanding their incompetence on those important national assignments.
Team Nigeria, constituted of international stars from European and Chinese clubs, was out for a win, and sure, they got it.
Sports lovers watched enthusiastically as they passed the ball to one other, built up momentum and advanced towards the goal post of their opponents. When they finally scored, everyone rejoiced. Both players and fans chorused “a goal” with one voice.
Even when Ogenyi Onazi was substituted in the middle of the game, there was no cry of marginalization.
Nigeria will go far if we all sacrifice our personal ambitions for the good of all, while tolerating each other, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliation.
Joseph Orjime, a journalist and public affairs analyst, wrote in from Abuja.
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