As it is with Nigerian football so it is with Nigerian sports as a whole. The holistic picture is grim. Nothing seems to be going on or going right except, of course, the feelers from the National Sports Commission that a new sports policy is soon to be presented to the Federal Executive Council for approval. When it becomes operational, perhaps, a breath of fresh air and new ideas will sweep through Nigerian sports. But before then we can only mourn and bemoan the ongoing decimation of Nigerian football (sports) at all levels! On the eve of Nigeria’s 50^th Independence anniversary the state of Nigerian sports is a reflection of the state of the country as a whole. Nothing more, nothing less!

I guess I am expected to write something about tomorrow’s important World Cup qualifying match against Mozambique in Abuja. It is apparent that Nigerians are not enthused about the match. For many the World Cup ticket matter has been settled and conceded to Tunisia. To a few others it is a matter of just holding out in prayer till the end, hoping for a slip up in either of the two matches the Tunisians still have to play and have to win to secure their lead and earn their ticket.

Abuja township stadium will surely not experience the level of excitement and followership the last two matches there generated. My feeling is that the terraces will be full of empty spaces and the atmosphere subdued and devoid of the fanfare and spirit that characterised the last two matches. The Super Eagles themselves will come into the match dispirited with the lack of belief by the people and yet be determined to redeem themselves and the country’s image somehow! No one is complaining about anything this time around. Everyone is in camp and on time. No one is offering any fantastic bonuses or incentives. No need for any admonitions. The players must on their own generate the motivation and the determination to earn the people’s love and respect once again! This one is about getting the job done. I believe the job will be done clinically! Somehow I have the impression this match will provide the window for the return of the good old days when players played mainly for pride, for honour and for country! Somehow I like the situation. I will be there at the stadium to watch how the Super Eagles will attempt to climb ‘Mount Everest’ and start a gradual return to the top of African football! Right now the team is clawing its way fro