The Unforgettable Joy of AFCON: A Temporary Escape in Turbulent Times

In the wake of Ivory Coast’s fairy-tale triumph, a beacon of joy for the host nation, back home in Nigeria, the need for victory echoed with a profound resonance. The past 12 months have been a challenging journey for the people of Nigeria, where even a simple online search of the word “Nigeria” yields a scarce harvest of positivity and often leads to a rather bleak scene. Soaring prices of basic commodities and the tumultuous exchange rate between the naira and the dollar have cast shadows over the daily lives of many.

However, amidst the hardships, the Africa Cup of Nations arrived like a breath of fresh air injecting a burst of excitement with a colorful atmosphere. For the past four weeks, the nation witnessed a collective upliftment and basked in a shared joy as football fans, both fervent and casual, united as a massive, chaotic but lovely family. The tournament became a source of common ground, transcending social divides and bringing together a diverse population.

Entering the competition, Nigeria wasn’t even touted as a favorite, but with each passing game, the Super Eagles defied our expectations. From the riveting clashes against Equatorial Guinea to the high-stakes encounter with our neighbours Cameroon, the Super Eagles soared into the finals. And suddenly, everyone had something in common — their love for the Super Eagles.

With a siege mentality, it was an “Us VS Africa” situation, we only had ourselves and the players poured their hearts onto the pitch, boys like Victor Osimhen, William Troost Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyenka, and Stanley Nwabali, oh Stan all fought valiantly, but alas, victory slipped through their fingers in the final moments. Lagos, typically vibrant and alive, experienced a quiet night devoid of celebratory fireworks. Yet, for the past four weeks, a unique joy had permeated the air — a happiness not seen in Nigeria for a while.

In these fleeting moments, even the sternest of “Agberos” wore smiles at the mention of Nigeria and football. Offices buzzed with conversations that had nothing to do with the usual office stuff, and for a while, the mundane aspects of life took a backseat. The absence of an AFCON win left a void, but the memories lingered on, offering a brief escape from the harsh realities that await. But there is always hope.

Against the backdrop of economic challenges, with a steep decline in power generation since the new Minster of Power entered office, the people of Nigeria endured back-to-back “Ls” for so long, including tragic incidents during AFCON matches and heartbreaking fatalities we have become accustomed to seeing.

The untimely departure of heroes like Samuel, the serving member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), and the former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, who represented Ika federal constituency of Delta State, resonated as painful losses during the tournament. These heroes, who met their untimely demise while sharing the joy of football, as well as losing a great man in Herbert Wigwe, The CEO of Access Bank, all added a somber note to an otherwise spirited event. And with all these adversities, the AFCON win was meant to be a beacon of hope, a reason for the Nigerians to finally celebrate amidst the cascade of challenges and tragedies.

As we bid adieu to this exhilarating tournament, the hope lingers. The joy experienced during these weeks becomes a beacon, guiding us forward into the unknown, with a collective aspiration for better days ahead. It’s essential to acknowledge that Nigeria is blessed with a resilient and wonderful populace — one of the most resilient groups of people you can find on the planet. Enduring so many tribulations, Nigerians exhibit a mental strength that’s truly commendable. Remarkably, they manage to face it all with smiles on their faces, showcasing a spirit that defines the heart of the nation.

The AFCON was more than a competition; it was a respite, a shared experience, and a testament to the unifying power of the beautiful game, even if just for a little while. See you in Morrocco.

Arise O Compatriots.