(apologies for typos in previous post…pressed send too early!)
I love sports…even if I am not great at any myself. I love sports in the Nigerian context because it is the closest to a meritocracy most of us will get to experience living in Nigeria. I woke up on Sunday morning to the Nigerian papers and as usual our leaders never fail to disappoint you…The Guardian reported that “The President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua has handed a ‘presidential order’ to players and officials of the Super Eagles to go all out and secure victory against Tunisia in today’s 2010 World Cup qualifier in Abuja.” To the President, victory in today’s game is non-negotiable.
I though about the scandals in our sport in the last few weeks. How we were learning to cut corners to win despite the scrutiny to athletes these days. When last has our country of 150 million won a medal at a major sporting event? It has been a while. You see…you can bring Julius Berger to build you the best stadium in West Africa…but just like hospital buildings don’t treat patients…stadia do not produce good athletes.
A few years ago, we could no detect who was doping their way to success or cheating their ways to under aged championships…but now that we have found a way, meritocracy rules again!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has…Margaret Mead
Hahahahahahahaha! Automatic place, you mean like David Mark and Co. I’m learning to laugh at some of Nigeria’s problems and issues. That way I won’t send myself to an early grave! Presidential order ko, ministerial order ni!