By
Aduku Aruwa
It
was the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) that once
described sports as a unifying factor in Nigeria that embodies the country’s
motto of unity, faith, peace and progress.
Sports,
undoubtedly, has always been a major unifying factor for Nigerians. Whenever
the nation's sports men and women are on national duty for instance, Nigerians
tend to bury their political, religious, ethnic, class and other differences.
During
such period, the virtues of patriotism are brought to the fore while the idea
of federal character and quota system
are no longer considered as relevant.
One
example that readily comes to mind is the recent outing of the nation's senior
football team, the Super Eagles during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in
Uyo and Yaounde.
It
would be recalled that the Eagles whipped their arch rival, the Lions of
Cameroon 4-0, in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio
International Stadium, Uyo, and the Akwa Ibom State capital before securing a 1
- 1 draw in the return leg of the encounter at the Stade Omnispirts Ahmadu
Ahidjo in Yaounde three days later.
In
no time, the social media was set buzzing as Nigerians came together under one
roof despite their diversity in culture, tradition and politics to celebrate
success as well as indirectly promote unity, faith, peace and progress.
Former
President Goodluck Jonathan on his twitter handle said: “Football is a great
unifier and the Super Eagles have done much to unify Nigeria by this win. I
celebrate their talent."
Senator
Ben Murray-Bruce said: “In these days of divisions in Nigeria we must thank the
Super Eagles for provoking nationwide unity by this win. Proud of Super
Eagles!”
On
his part, President Muhammadu Buhari joined millions of football-loving
Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora in applauding the senior men’s football
team for" their disciplined, skillful and entertaining display against the
defending African champions".
The
president equally enjoined Nigerians who always see football as a unifying
platform; just as he called on all to continue to pray and support the team to
guarantee victory and make qualification doubly sure.
As
expected, the agitations for restructuring and other constitutional changes
that hitherto was threatening to heat up the polity , gave way to joyous
celebrations as the Igbo, Hausa , Yoruba and others belonging to different
geographical entities considered themselves part of one nation.
Against
this backdrop, it is time the Nigerians key into the impressive success of the
Super Eagles during the recent Russia 2018 qualifier by striving for unity,
sustaining faith in the country as well as working for its peace and progress
in like with the nation's motto.
Similarly,
opinion leaders, relevant authorities and other stakeholders should strive
towards taking advantage of the platform created in the sector to transform
sports into a tool for healing wounds, mend fences, and assisting groups and
cultures rise above their differences.
For
the handlers and members of the victorious Super Eagles team, it is not time to
rest on their laurels. Rather attention should be focused on how to sustain the
recent successes, enhancing team spirit and performance as well as ensuring the
nation make it to the next world cup.
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