The World Cup is done. The Vuvuzelas are silent, and the Jabulani has been packed into the infamous coffers of history. Unsurprisingly, the tournament has ended the same way that it has for the last 18 events. A victorious team races around the field half crazed with what they have accomplished. Their voices are quickly rendered hoarse as they try to yell to the world what has just happened to them. They scream and point at each other as if they have just been woken with the news that they just won the biggest tournament in the solar system (unless, of course, you’re counting the deep space breathing event on Mars). They yell at us as if trying to explain what has happened even though we were right there with them watching the events unfolding on our TV sets. Ordinarily we would be insulted by their daring and suggestions, but such is the spell of the moment that we are left with stupid smiles on our faces and wistful eyes as we ride-out one of biggest uniting emotional highs of the world.
Such was the tale barely 48 hours ago when Africa’s stint as world cup hosts came to an end. For many Africans the tale did not exactly end with a “happily ever after.” Despite the predictions of scores of football loving native doctors, the victory did not come to an African nation, but those talented, bold and frankly occasionally amazing Spaniards. And yet, although Africa did not get her paws on the bust of the World Cup, the World Cup has certainly left its imprint on her. Much is often said about the governmental restructuring which the continent needs to take. Sometimes too much talking can defeat the initial purpose. On the field of play, with only 11 men representing each team, the message was again repeated this time with a much more direct — if rather dramatic — undertone. In case you missed it, here is what the World Cup really told us. The World Cup pointed out that the current approach of African nations to simply “wing it” is unlikely to work for much longer. In order to stumble into something great, Nigeria as a nation will have to prepare and then work for it. Counting on the past glories and efforts of our nation’s elders is a lot like depending on the football team that really should have been disbanded 15 years ago. Oh sure, we do need a Kanu in the political system every now and then to provide the guidance of the nation, but what we need more is the introduction of younger minds who are bold enough to be daring. Bold enough to dream. Bold enough to make a difference.
That the bulk of the African teams left in the first round is really no surprise. Nigeria’s frantic efforts two months prior to the World Cup are in many ways a lot similar to its stance towards pressing matters in the country. It is not until the situations of power, militancy, or kidnapping reaches grave levels that the appropriate bodies will snap into short term band aid measures. People have always warned that such reliance on a deus ex machina styled approach was bound to fail and the shortcoming of Lagerback is a clear, if a little unfair, example. Nigeria, like the Super Eagles, is sold on the dreams of their supposed immortality. Five decades ago, our founding fathers dared to dream. Nigeria’s inability to act on that dream is a lot like the Super Eagle’s failure to capitalise on the glowing start which they had during the ‘94 and ‘96 football seasons. Nigeria is indeed a great nation but, as has so often been told, the strength of a great nation does not lie in the notion of its greatness but the efforts of its people and rulers.
The World Cup certainly has caused some changes. For instance, the words “Vuvuzela” and “Jabulani” are very likely to make their way into the English dictionary and history books. However, nowhere has the change been more dramatic than with the tale of the Ghanaian (Black Stars) football team. History might be cruel but it is rarely wrong. The lessons are there for us to see and learn. 11 Black Stars took time to find the patience, humility and dedication which they needed to improve their style of play. Their efforts were strong enough to become the hope of the African continent. If 11 footballers could lift a continent by being disciplined enough to improve their style of play, imagine what 120 million willing Nigerians can do. Don’t say anything. Just think about it. Grab your part. Then
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