Franklin Foer in 2006 wrote a best seller entitled How Soccer Explains the World. In it he tries to throw up an unlikely theory of Globalization according to which the game of round leather ball; (with all the passion associated with it, it’s victories and losses,) gives an understanding of dynamics of global competition by nation states. If development is so modified and redefined to mean winning U17 World Cup tournament more than once, Nigeria could be said to be a fully developed nation. The victory of Nigeria’s Eaglets at FIFA U-17 World Cup, for the fourth time is the highest ever by any country since the beginning of the competition in 1985. Nigeria strives to be one of the leading 10 developed economies by 2020. Interestingly Nigeria is a leading U17 soccer nation 4th time. It will be recalled that Nigeria won the 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013 editions of the competition and
finished as runners up in 1987, 1995, 2001 and 2009. Very few nations of the world have recorded such landmark achievements in less than 3decades. Secondly with this latest record of achievement, the Golden Eaglets have shown there is dignity and reward in labour, commitment and perseverance as well as consistency. Having played seven (7) open and transparent matches in the tournament, winning six (6), making a draw in one (1) with all-time-high 26 goals which surpassed previous Germany’s record of 23 goals, Eaglets have shown that there is a long way to success, no shot cut.
The globally acknowledged victory of the Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the just concluded U17 World Cup tournament held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) even assumes special importance.It shows that governance matters, including sports administration and sports corporate governance. After the London Olympics fiasco and failure by Nigerian athletes last year, it was commendable that Jonathan administration went back on the drawing board.
On Monday, 22nd October, 2012 President Jonathan presided over a historic Presidential Retreat of the Sports Sector with the theme “Harnessing the Potential of Nigeria’s Sports Sector” where he registered the commitment of his administration in making Nigeria the number one country in Africa, in terms of the sports. We recall that the President declared that he wanted to take the country to at least the fourth position in the Commonwealth and ultimately, to rule the world.
The retreat he said became imperative following the recent disappointing performance of Team Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympics and the general poor performance in football and other sporting competitions, stating that the abysmal performance of the recent past pointed to systemic failures that urgently call for drastic and holistic review of sports policies. The president observed rightly that the fortune of sports in the country has dwindled since 1996 when the nation’s athletes won gold medals at the Atlanta Olympics pointing out that no
nation could overlook the relevance of sports in national development. Speakers at the retreat included Dr. Ken Anugweje of the University of Port Harcourt; former United Kingdom’s Minister of Sports, Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe; Secretary, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, and Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Eaglets’ victory is quite refreshing, coming the same year Nigeria deservedly won
the African Cup of Nations trophy. Are we then reaping the gains of good governance in sports? The lesson for the youths in particular and for all Nigerians is that the road to success is through determination and hard work not kidnapping, armed robbery, cheap and senseless violence and corruption. Indeed soccer and sports in general can be a powerful socio-economic tool for youth development, nation building and instilling core values of social justice.
Eaglets’ victory is also a vote for Nigeria’s unity, indivisibility and nationhood by the youths of diverse background at a time some misguided “elders” and “elder statesmen” are doubting Nigeria’s existence. This is a pan- Nigeria victory by a pan- Nigerian team. The youths have shown that what we need is not endless debate about the future of the Republic but hard work to bring trophy home today.
The question is, as we applaud the team for winning the world cup, when are we going to applaud Nigeria’s ruling class for good governance? The Eaglets have indeed replaced despair and hopelessness with hope. Members of Nigeria’s political class must also like Eaglets deliver on their promises for Nigerians in uninterrupted power supply and educational service delivery among others.
I agree with the pan African perspective of Coach Garba Mana that the victory is not just for Nigeria but largely for Africa. The lesson here is also clear; if Nigeria’s Eaglets could record all-time high 26 goals in less than 1 month tournament, African leaders should have no reason not to meet eight (8) Millennium Development Goals such as eradicating poverty, reducing maternal mortality they all signed onto in year 2000. Whether they are soccer goals or Development goals,goals are goals!
I join the President to congratulate the Eaglets, the coach and all Nigerians for the victory. There must be massive public investment in sports to produce and retain more talents on the continent. By the way I observe that as long as semi final and final editions of this tournament lasted it was as if there was no robbery, (people moved from pillar to post freely to watch matches), no traffic jams (as streets were deserted during matches) no power failure, (everybody got generator to beat power failure ) no unemployment (full employment at viewing centres). I pray we are not back from wonderland of soccer to the grim reality of our daily existence (or is it survival?). VIVA Golden Eaglets!
Issa Aremu mni
