By Azubuike Innocent
The 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) stirred a whirlwind of emotions across Nigeria as the nation rallied behind its team with fervor and anticipation. From the kickoff match on January 13, 2024, where Ivory Coast faced off against Guinea-Bissau, to the nail-biting final showdown between Nigeria and South Africa, the tournament captured the collective attention of the nation.
With a total of 24 African teams vying for the coveted AFCON cup, the competition showcased the evolution of African football, expanding from just 3 teams in 1957 to the present-day 24-team format. As each match unfolded, the pressure mounted on teams to perform, igniting a sense of unity and national pride among citizens.
Nigeria’s journey to the final against South Africa was marked by intense battles on the field, culminating in a thrilling draw before clinching victory in a penalty shootout. However, the ultimate defeat against Ivory Coast in the final left many Nigerians heartbroken and disheartened.
Tragically, the fervor of the tournament proved fatal for some, with reports of individuals succumbing to the stress of the matches, exacerbated by underlying health conditions. The untimely death of Mikail Osundiji during the semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa serves as a somber reminder of the emotional toll of sports.
The 43- year old man, Mikail Osundiji has been reported to die while watching the AFCON semi-final football match between Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa. It was reported that Osundiji went into shock and died on Wednesday evening in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The father of two was reported to have died after when the central referee cancelled Nigerian’s second goal against South Africa, by Victor Osimhen. This was a sad moment for the family of the bereaved.
In the midst of it all, some Nigerians directed blame towards the senators who attended the final live in Ivory Coast, with sentiments echoing. During interviews, a dissapointed Nigerian football fan expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles’ loss against Ivory Coast. He voiced concerns that a victory would be hailed as an achievement under the current government’s tenure, deflecting attention from the nation’s dire economic challenges. According to citizen, celebrating a football victory would only serve as a distraction from addressing the harsh realities faced by the masses.
In his view, the government’s failure to address fundamental issues renders any celebration over trivial matters, such as the AFCON cup, undeserved. However, some people are of a different opinion. Another fan says “This match pain me- We should have won this AFCON cup as this will be a starting point of greatness. At least we will know that something good has started happening in the country”.
As Nigeria grapples with the aftermath of the AFCON defeat, the nation stands at a crossroads, torn between disillusionment and resilience. Whether the outcome of the tournament will serve as a catalyst for change or further disillusionment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the passion for football runs deep in the hearts of Nigerians, reflecting their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
This is a very nice report. We hope for a better Nigeria.
This is a really great write-up that spoke a lot about how it really happened at the AFCON and how it could affect our behaviours towards a better country