Nigeria: We Can Win

If there is one thing that 170 million Nigerians agree on it’s, without a doubt, football. When it comes to the nation’s game, Nigerians speak with one voice. 

With the 2014 FIFA World tournament underway, Nigerians are on the edge of their seats already, looking forward to their first game with Iran on Monday. For them, at a time when Nigeria is so badly affected by a range of shocking and debilitating problems—from violent attacks and the horrific kidnappings carried out by extremist Islamist group Boko Haram to ethnic and religious violence to widespread inequality and corruption—the World Cup offers a chance for people to come together. It’s a chance for Nigeria to shine. Nothing can come between an ordinary Nigerian fan and football. And Nigerians believe they can win. 

Nigeria’s football fans firmly believe Nigeria’s manager, Stephen Keshi, can bring the team to victory. Though Keshi’s career as manager has not been without its upsets, it’s been years since Nigerians have been so unified in their support for a Nigerian coach, the last time being when they put their faith in Clemens Westerhof in 1994.

Expectations rose to feverish levels after Nigeria won the 2013 African Nations Cup in South Africa. Suddenly, people allowed confidence to creep back in and Nigeria’s Super Eagles are once again revered and worshipped.

Across the country, a buzz has started in all the big cities. The excitement is pervasive. Advertisements for FIFA and sponsors can be seen everywhere, and in recent weeks there have been plenty of World Cup-related competitions, promising all expenses paid trips to Brazil to witness one of the world’s biggest sporting events. 

The Message from the Government, Keshi—and Adebayor

Nigeria first qualified for the World Cup in 1994, and, with the exception of the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, Nigeria has been present at every competition since.

If there was any doubt of the high expectations the nation has for the team, Nigeria's minister of Sports and Youth Development, Tamuno Danagogo, set the record straight: “I want to assure the Eagles that they will get the full support of Mr. President for their preparation and the campaign proper so that our target of going beyond the semi-final and even winning the cup is achieved”, he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan approved a whooping N1.6billion (about $10million)  budgetary allocation for the World Cup and its team, hoping to provide the Super Eagles with whatever they need to put on a good performance. 

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi was said to have been relaxed when he heard the minister’s comments, and during an event in Lagos on May 19, added his vote of confidence that the team could in fact win the World Cup trophy. 

"If the minister said so, I pray to God that it is so. All we need to do to win is to concentrate, be free from injuries and take the matches as they come,” Keshi said.

Adding his voice to the confident refrain that African teams will shine in Brazil was  Tottenham and Togo striker Emmanauel Adebayor. Out of the five African teams going to the World Cup, the Super Eagles will perform most impressively, he said, ruling out many people’s favorite pick of the continent, Ivory Coast.

The former African footballer of the year told the Daily Express: "Out of these teams, [my choice for which of the African teams will go the furthest] would be Nigeria because of their concentration. Because of Stephen Keshi—he knows a lot about football. He has been there as well as a player for Nigeria.”

A Compliant Media and a Supportive Twittersphere

The general public agree. During call-in shows on local sports radio station Brila FM, the enthusiasm and optimism was palpable.  On May 22, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) retweeted a message from a Nigerian fan, @fadachy, originally tweeted at @NGSuperEagles: 

"I believe in the #SuperEagles. The entire world shall feel our presence in #Brazil2014. #GoEaglesGo"

Other fans added their hope and expectation, tweeting "up Eagles! Champions and pride of Africa" and similar sentiments. 

Though the media is playing down talks of Nigeria winning the tournament, there is constant coverage about the competition and the optimism it’s generating. 

Most outlets believe qualification out of the group stages will be a great achievement. A quarter-final place will be seen as huge step, matching records held by Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana.

Both the NFF and Keshi have asked the media to reduce reports about in-fighting within the football body and the team’s technical crew— or at least tone down their coverage in order to show solidarity and not distract the team.

It’s true that there is no perfect way to put smiles on the beleaguered faces of Nigerians, many of whom have endured a troubling year, ravaged with killings and the deaths of thousands. But for some, Nigeria’s participation in the FIFA World Cup offers some comfort, excitement and hope. 

This could be Africa’s chance, and what better country than Nigeria to do the continent proud? 

It might be a tall order but it starts with believing. And from the Super Eagles down to their fans, they have a shared belief: that victory is on the horizon.