So, Nigeria won’t be at the next World Cup, and no amount of spin can change this fact? Or is there still hope that we can get 3 points deducted from South Africa, then win our remaining four games to qualify?
After lifting our hopes (and by ‘our’ I mean every Nigerian) with the win in Kigali, those hopes came crashing down—faster than the naira against the dollar—right here in Uyo on Tuesday. But it is all in our hands now, to go out and win four games. Can we?
But let’s rewind a bit.
Fred Edoreh called me up, as there was an inspection of facilities ahead of the Niger Delta Sports Festival. The Executive Director of the Niger Delta Sports Commission, NDDCplok-pp, Alabo Boma Iyaye, was leading the tour. My morning plans? Disrupted. But duty called
While waiting for the tour to kick off, Gbenga Elegbeleye strolled in and introduced me as his “former friend”—the one he “dumped because I was now broke.”
I loved it. At least now, the endless “bro, assist me” texts might stop. (Though let’s be real—Elegbeleye is a top guy.)
We checked out the hostels, tennis courts, basketball courts, football field, and swimming pool. Boma Iyaye was so impressed, he could barely contain his excitement.
Pitchside Drama: Barnabas vs. Common Sense
Tayo Ogunseye of Afrosport had invited me for pre-match pitchside coverage, so I headed straight to the stadium.
Then, Barnabas happened.
For context: Back in October, this same Barnabas (NFF security something-or-other) embarrassed me at a Super Eagles training session. I was speaking with William Troost-Ekong—after getting permission from Ademola Olajire (The NFF Director of Communications)—when Barnabas charged at me like a bull seeing red, screaming for me to leave.
Fast-forward to Tuesday. The same Barnabas spots me with Tayo and goes full “get out!” mode—until Tayo reminded him he was the host broadcaster.
Barnabas then zeroed in on me—his last hope for flexing authority. “Leave!” he barked. I didn’t even blink. Tayo had to step in again: “He’s here for an interview.”
Later, Ademola Olajire—a man who actually knows how to communicate—politely asked if I had permission. I tapped my host broadcaster tag. He laughed, apologized, and we moved on. That’s how professionals handle things.
Barnabas? If you’re reading this (or more likely, when someone shows you), know this: I’m one of the most recognizable faces in Nigerian football. Treat me—and others—with respect.
Hunger Games: Stadium Edition
I left my hotel at 10:30 AM. By 4:15 PM, I was ‘hangry’, dehydrated, and on the verge of collapse.
I stumbled up to where Cyril Wite, Kingsley Olisa, and Carl Orakwue were seated and begged for food. Kingsley, bless him, pulled out a full pack of white rice with pepper soup.
Me? Eating a full meal at the stadium? Unheard of. But desperate times call for desperate meals.
The Game: Where Was the Coach?
Let’s be honest—we lost because we didn’t have a real coach on that bench. And I did not make a mistake when I wrote that we lost.
Whoever thought this guy was the answer needs to explain themselves. And no, I wasn’t fooled by the 2-0 win in Kigali. Winning was partly new coach syndrome and the fact that we had Victor Osimhen in the team. By now it should be obvious to Nigerians that Osimhen is the only Super Eagle that can pull us out of a bad situation.
Any amateur can pick a starting eleven. A real coach manages the game—makes smart substitutions, adjusts tactics.
Our players fought hard, especially in the second half. Zimbabwe? They defended well and hit us on the counter. Did we respect that threat? Nope!
When our fullbacks and Ekong were clearly exhausted, what did the coach do? Took off Osimhe while leading 1-0, and brought on another striker. What was the plan? Scores more goals?
How come all of us saw that the defence had lost their legs and only the coach did not see it? And for Chelle to say at the press conference that we are only questioning his substitution is because we did not win is disrespectful. We did not win, did we? Are we supposed to pop champagne and praise him?
We deserve better.
Post-Match Presser: A Defeated Man
The coach’s press conference was painful to watch. He looked like a man who’d lost his voice, his spirit, and possibly his will to live. At one point, I almost felt sorry for him.
He had one job, win six games, but, failed at the second hurdle.
We should have held a crisis meeting last night and told him the truth.
Moving On: Suya & 2030 Dreams
After venting, we drowned our sorrows at the hotel poolside—drinks, food, and suya till past midnight. Some mourned lost bets, others lost pride. Me? I sipped my water in peace. Don’t worry. We’ll qualify for the 2030 World Cup, if we miss this one. It is just that a lot of Nigerians had hopes for the Japa World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA
And oh— Port Harcourt at last! Even the air here tastes different.
