The World Cup

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NIGERIANS, LET US WATCH THE WORLD CUP… AND LEARN.
As we all warm up for the World Cup, we must position ourselves to be more than entertained. We must seek to learn…

• The value of DISCIPLINE – which will be evident throughout the Competition. Players will feel slighted by other players – maybe even from within the same team; White players might not get along with Black players; players and coaches might feel hard done by by match officials… Amidst all these, everyone will exhibit DISCIPLINE for the success of the tournament; and because there can only be one winner.
• The virtue of PATIENCE – Coaches from around the world have whittled their teams, to arrive at the twenty-three men permitted by FIFA. The ones not opportuned to go must take it in their strides. In Brasil proper, only eleven players from a team can be on the pitch per time. Those on the bench must be patient, and prepared… for when their time comes. Beyond that, they must cheer their brothers giving their sweat on the pitch for the glory of their country. They must be united.
• The beauty of BROTHERHOOD – people from across tribal and ethnic divisions will cheer their nations with one voice. Nations will bear one face. The lines of political affiliations will disappear. After all, what good is success if it polarizes people? Win or lose, let us be together.

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What is more, Brasil as a country is quite populous and has poor and rich people. We must hope that the mundial inspires some level of economic boost that will liberate many from the throes of poverty. Knowing that, we have to appraise whether it serves the nation better if they all join hands to make the project succeed, or if those who feel deprived should plunder their efforts as they try to stake their claims for better living and working conditions.

Brasil comes into focus with the World Cup: journalists will go beyond the Stadia to show us snippets of the different parts of the country. Let us pay attention. If Brasilians from all works of life unite with their President to give a good account of their country, generations will not forget; and countries with rich histories always grow stronger. History is the story of yesteryears, but it is made today.

For good or for bad, Brasilians will be making history. We, too, are always doing so. As we learn our lessons, let us look inwards, and lend a hand to the Transformation going on. We are one team, and we must support one another. Teams with infighting and bickerings will not achieve much in Brasil. Neither shall we as a nation. Let us give peace a good chance.