Personality in Focus
My Memoir: How I Survived Nigeria/South Africa Match by Eric Elezuo
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20230820_110022-1000x600.jpg&description=My Memoir: How I Survived Nigeria/South Africa Match by Eric Elezuo', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20230820_110022-1000x600.jpg&description=My Memoir: How I Survived Nigeria/South Africa Match by Eric Elezuo', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
If the term ‘final before final’ ever had any real meaning; this was it; the semifinal clash between the Nigeria Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. It was a game that lived to its billing in terms of rivalry, tension, emotion, fate, and sadly enough, not forgetting tragedy.
There’s hardly any Nigerian, and to an extent, South African (if feelers before and after the game is anything to go by), who did not die many times before their deaths (apologies to William Shakespeare) as the game progressed and lasted. The death here has nothing to do with cowardice as in the case of Shakespeare, but of barefaced patriotism, seething pride and desire to dominate. The tension was palpable, shaking every nerve, irrespective of whether one is healthy or not.
The game went beyond the quest to qualify for the African Cup of Nations final match. Yes, while the players played to emerged winners and finalists, Nigerians cheered to retain pride and remain atop the rivalry echelon between both countries in every aspect of existence. Remember that the South African singer, Tyla, had unexpectedly beaten the combined strength of Burna Boy, Davido, Arya Star, Olamide, to cart away the Grammy just few days back. This is even as the Nigerians had led in music, entertainment and many more.
The match was therefore beyond the quest to play in the finals; it was a war front for superiority challenge where the winner takes all. Nigeria wanted to maintain their hundred percent invincibility against the South Africans in football while the South Africans seek to dismantle the monopoly.
It is worthy of note that the last time South Africa won the AFCON was in 1996 when they hosted. Nigeria was absent. In fact, Nigeria boycotted the tournament because of the rofo rofo fight between then President Nelson Mandela and General Sani Abacha (that’s a story for another day).
The stage was therefore set for the extraordinary.
Like many Nigerians, I had prepared for the 2023 AFCON with less enthusiasm following some lackluster performances the Super Eagles had exhibited in recent past, especially after the game against Equatorial Guinea, where they struggled to force their tiny neighbours to a one all draw. I knew there was nothing in store for us with ‘these crop of players’. So watching their matches was by chance, that is if NEPA, PHCN, DISCO or whatever name they are known by various individuals gives ‘light’. I had sworn that I was not going to waste the little money I have to buy fuel to watch a game that will end up disappointing me.
But all that changed as the tournament progressed with the Eagles against all odds making it to the semi-finals, and to meet South Africa, of all the nations that participated in the competition.
I decided to buy fuel. I decided to watch the match, and give it full attention. I’m sure not a few Nigerians made the same decision.
The D-day was Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and 6pm was the time. I made it home on time. I wanted to see the beginning and end of it all.
I have already comforted myself with the fact that I made a decision many years ago never to allow football outcomes affect my health. I didn’t die in 1994 after Nigeria lost to Italy in the Second Round of the World Cup in the United States, was just divine. I was distraught and my whole being was revolving 360 degrees every 10seconds. Since then, I’ve told myself that never again will I watch any game no matter the team playing, with my heart or even head. I resolved to watch with my photocopy while leaving my original well laid at the bottom of my box like a Christmas cloth. That I have managed to do for a while, even surviving Arsenal’s e remain small agenda for years.
But how wrong I was! This was different!
Football is a spirit, and when it possesses you, there’s no going back. Surely, it heals, it also destroys, depending on the side of divide one is. On this day, it possessed everybody, yours sincerely inclusive.
Finally, it was 6pm Nigerian time, and like all international games, kick off was right on time. I watched with the free mind I, a few minutes ago, cautioned my friends through whatsapp status post to do. Was it easy? The tension from that point. The South Africans were businesslike, taking the game to us, and putting our goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali to great test. Thank goodness, he lived up to expectation. Both teams were out for victory, praying to the same God, but in my own estimation, I knew that God was going to sit this one out. It was a battle of brothers; let them sort it out through their individual strengths, abilities and wisdom. God did sat out.
Then the goal via penalty through Captain William Troost-Ekong came, after Nigeria’s playmaker, Victor Osimhen, was fouled in the 18 yard box. It was hope rising, and at the same time the beginning of the artificial heart palpitation that later proved disastrous for some.
When the second half started, it was obvious that not many can match the tempo any longer. I was one of them, unfortunately.
How could it be? I asked, knowing that I made a pact long never to allow this kinda matter bother me. But the more I stayed glued to the television, the more I can feel my heart panting, especially when the South Africans get closer to our goal area, which was more frequent than rare. I tried to prove the strong man. In our palance, we say try to prove jagaban. E no work!
I re-invented the philosophy of ‘Que Sera Sera’ that had helped me in times of this sort of situation, but it failed to work. My heart was not at ease. It was there and then, I decided. I no watch again!
But what would I be doing? I decided to go and fetch water. But there was water in the house. I emptied some into the toilet, and went downstairs to fetch from the well. Nobody sent me. I was coming in from my second trip when my little daughter said, ‘daddy, they scored’. My heart missed a skip. I said, who? She answered, ‘Osimhen’. I said, thank God.
As I entered the sitting room, my older son narrated how Osimhen scored the ‘clean goal’. It was 2-0. I concluded that no matter what the South Africans want to play from that 85th minute till when the game ends, they can’t score two goals. Meanwhile, my television had disconnected. We joked about it that the owners of DStv and GOtv have suddenly become angry with our two goals, and disconnected us from watching. I checked from my phone, and Google recorded 2-0. I concluded that all was well while we strive to restore viewing. Then I checked my phone again for update. That was when I thought I was watching a scene from Harry Porter. It read 1-1. I refreshed, thinking I entered the wrong site, but 1-1 continued to stare at me like a Lonely Londoner. Then my reconnection restored, and so was the shock of my life. The goal has been disallowed, and a penalty awarded to South Africa for an infringement that happened at the other end, which led to the goal.
Damn!!!
We were already under pressure, and with another 10 minutes of added time and 30 minutes of extra time, I reasoned it will be strictly difficult for us to win the match. But patriotism will not allow me abandon the match. Everybody was shouting in my house. My daughter will scream and fall to the ground when Nigeria try to score and miss, as well as when South Africa make dangerous incursions. It was pure bedlam.
After the 90 minutes finally ended, I told myself, this is it…no more watching. I saw what the South African goalkeeper did to Cape Verde during their penalty shootout. Williams, as he is called, was much better by prematch rating.
We agreed to watch Netflix, and follow scores on the net or screams from the neighbours. Of course, persuaded my family. If they scream in excitement, I will know Nigeria has scored, but if they scream in agony, of course, Nigeria has been scored. I again reasoned that Netflix will be serious, and our minds may still be very much in the game. We changed to YouTube to watch Broda Shaggy and Brainjotter. At least, we will be laughing, no matter what the case is.
My brother, na so we no even no when the 30 minutes extra time ended and penalty kicks ensued.
By the time I switched back to the match, Kelechi Iheanacho was standing behind the ball, and I could hear the commentator saying ‘will Iheanacho win it for Nigeria?’
Waooo…the match was almost over. The scoresheet read 3-1 to Nigeria’s advantage with both teams having only one kick left.
Kelechi scored, and my heart returned from its journey to wonderland. The shout of victory was deafening, echoing both from the stadium and the immediate surroundings. I looked from my balcony, and could see a crowd of supporters surging forward and backward in ecstacy. The last time we witnessed such celebration was in 1996 when Nigeria came from 3-1 down to defeat Brazil 4-3 in the Olympics. Kanu Nwankwo had sent the entire country into a frenzy with his superlative extra time goal. It was the era of golden goal rule. Nigeria went on to win the gold medal, beating Argentina 3-2 in the final.
It was however, early the next day that news began filtering in about our countrymen, who gave up the ghost in the heat of the tension. As at the last count, five brave supporters paid the ultimate price. May their souls rest in peace.
They said that whatever doesn’t kill us, makes us strong. There’s still one more adventure, one more world to conquer according to Ulysses.
I will watch again on Sunday, as the final unfolds, this time against the host country, Cote d’Ivoire. The tension this time, I’m sure, will be turbocharged. No doubt. But I have learnt to survive just like many others, so that I can join the victory party afterwards.
Personality in Focus
Prince Joseph Idiong Headlines NOMA’s Responsible Reporting, Substance Abuse Prevention Workshop
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development, and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria is delighted to present Prince Joseph Idiong, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE), as a Special Guest Speaker at the Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme on Responsible Reporting and Substance Abuse Prevention.
Prince Joseph Idiong is a distinguished communications strategist, international trade expert, commercial diplomat, and private sector advocate whose professional career spans over four decades across the media, public relations, advertising, international trade, export development, and business consultancy sectors.
Widely respected for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s export sector and international trade relations, Prince Idiong has built an enviable reputation as a bridge-builder between government, business, development institutions, and the international trading community. His extensive experience in media and communications, combined with his expertise in export promotion and commercial diplomacy, places him among Nigeria’s foremost authorities on non-oil exports, trade facilitation, and economic diversification.
A Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR) since 1995 and a Member of the Business Education Exams Council (MBEEC), Prince Idiong began his professional journey in broadcasting when he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as an Announcer in 1977. His passion for communication and public engagement later took him to the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, where he further honed his skills in electronic media.
His successful transition into print journalism saw him rise to the position of Industrial Editor of the Nigerian Industrialist Magazine, where he developed a deep understanding of Nigeria’s industrial and business environment. His outstanding performance in media practice subsequently earned him appointments as Special Projects Consultant to both Guardian Magazine and TELL Magazine, two of Nigeria’s most influential publications.
Beyond journalism, Prince Idiong distinguished himself in the fields of public relations and advertising, working with Seric Advertising Limited in Lagos before co-founding Bigtime Productions Limited, an integrated communications company that provided public relations, advertising, marketing, and strategic communication services to corporate and institutional clients.
His academic and professional development journey reflects a commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He received professional communications training at Calabar Polytechnic, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training School—now the National Broadcasting Academy—as well as the Business Education Exams Council and the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), an affiliate of the University of Maiduguri.
His extensive public relations consultancy work exposed him to business development and non-profit sector advisory services through engagements with major organisations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Akwa Ibom State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE). His remarkable contributions eventually led to his appointment as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Exporters, the umbrella body representing Nigerian exporters and export-oriented businesses.
In the international trade sector, Prince Idiong is a Fellow of the Institute of Export of Nigeria (FIEx) and one of Nigeria’s most experienced trade promotion professionals. He has served on the Board of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) from 2005 to 2016 and later as a Board Member of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2018 to 2023, contributing significantly to policy formulation, export promotion, and investment development initiatives.
For more than twenty-five years, he has been actively engaged in Commercial Diplomacy Practice, developing expertise in international trade negotiations, export development strategies, investment promotion, and economic cooperation. His professional accomplishments include obtaining international certifications in fifteen export trade courses, in addition to participating in numerous local and international trade workshops, conferences, and capacity-building programmes.
As an international resource person and trade mission leader, Prince Idiong has represented Nigeria and the private sector in over twenty countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, including the United States, China, India, Russia, South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. His contributions have helped strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationships, expand market access opportunities, and promote Nigerian businesses on the global stage.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2006 when he served as the Nigerian Government-nominated and United States Government-preferred Lead Negotiator during the USA-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) negotiations held at the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
In this strategic role, Prince Idiong successfully led negotiations with key U.S. government agencies on matters affecting bilateral trade and transportation relations between both countries. His efforts contributed significantly to the lifting of the ban on direct flights between Nigeria and the United States, a major milestone in Nigeria-U.S. diplomatic and commercial relations.
Another landmark achievement was his successful engagement with the United States Export-Import Bank (US EXIM Bank), where he negotiated the establishment of a dedicated financing facility for businesses operating under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). His intervention resulted in the approval of the Nigerian Banking Facility, which commenced with a funding commitment of $300 million and later expanded to $1 billion, creating significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters and businesses seeking access to international markets.
Throughout his career, Prince Idiong has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Nigeria. These include the United Nations Commission for Europe Trade Facilitation Negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland; the United States-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement negotiations in Washington, D.C.; and the Nigeria-China Bilateral Trade Negotiations in Beijing, China.
In recent years, he has continued to play an active role in shaping trade and export policy across Africa. He was a member of the Federal Government delegation to the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Egypt in 2018 and South Africa in 2021. In 2022, he participated in the Federal Government delegation to the inauguration of the Nigerian Export Trade House in Nairobi, Kenya.
As a thought leader and respected speaker on international trade and economic development, Prince Idiong has delivered keynote addresses and presentations at major national and international events. In 2023, he served as Guest Speaker at the Central Bank of Nigeria Export Seminars held in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. In 2024, he was a featured speaker at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Workshop organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in partnership with the European Commission in Abuja. He also spoke at the Africa Agri Council Conference, where he shared valuable insights on agricultural exports, regional trade integration, and economic transformation.
As a Speaker at this programme, Prince Joseph Idiong brings a wealth of experience in communications, international trade, economic diplomacy, business development, and public policy. His unique perspective on the intersection of media, commerce, governance, and national development will provide participants with valuable insights into how responsible communication and strategic engagement can contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.
Participants can look forward to learning from a seasoned communications professional, accomplished trade diplomat, and respected business leader whose career has been dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s interests, expanding opportunities for exporters, and strengthening the country’s position in the global economy.
For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.
Media Contacts: Call: 08034499132; 08165322757 and 09034242439. Email:nomamedia25@gmail.com
In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving construction and infrastructure landscape, professionals who combine technical expertise, leadership, innovation, and integrity continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s development. Among such professionals is Engr. Michael Hosea Chihirvwam, a distinguished builder, civil engineer, construction technologist, and entrepreneur whose commitment to excellence has positioned him as a respected figure in the construction industry.
As the Managing Director of Depunz Construction Limited, Engr. Bldr. Michael Hosea is actively contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s built environment through the delivery of quality construction projects, infrastructure development, project management services, and sustainable engineering solutions. His professional journey reflects years of dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for creating structures that improve lives and support national development.
Born on September 11, 1983, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, Michael Hosea developed an early interest in construction, engineering, and the practical application of technology to solve societal challenges. This passion led him to pursue a strong educational foundation in the built environment, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Technology, a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering, and a Master of Science Degree in Construction Technology.
His academic background has equipped him with a unique multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to understand and manage the technical, structural, managerial, and operational aspects of construction projects from conception to completion. This combination of knowledge has become one of his greatest strengths as a construction professional.
A firm believer in professional excellence and ethical practice, Engr. Hosea is a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Building (MNIOB) and is duly registered with the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian society of Engineers. These professional affiliations underscore his commitment to maintaining industry standards and delivering projects that meet established regulations and best practices.
Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience working with reputable organizations and construction firms, including Allied Consultants and Projects, Edil Belmonte Nigeria Limited, the Borno State Ministry of Works and Transport during his National Youth Service, and Eddiliz Nigeria Limited. These experiences exposed him to diverse construction projects, engineering challenges, and project management responsibilities that have significantly shaped his professional competence.
Driven by a desire to provide innovative solutions to Nigeria’s growing infrastructure needs, Engr. Hosea played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of Depunz Construction Limited, an indigenous building construction and civil engineering company incorporated in 2013. The company was established to respond to the increasing demand for quality infrastructure and development services in Nigeria and other developing economies.
Under his leadership, Depunz Construction Limited has grown into a multidisciplinary construction and engineering firm providing services across several sectors of the economy. The company’s operations cover architectural design, building construction, civil and structural engineering works, project management and planning, electrical power development, water engineering, renewable energy applications, development consultancy, and turnkey project delivery.
One of the hallmarks of Engr. Hosea’s leadership is his commitment to assembling and managing a highly skilled team of architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, builders, and technical specialists. Through this collaborative approach, Depunz Construction Limited has successfully executed a range of projects, including residential developments, institutional facilities, infrastructure works, renovation projects, and engineering installations.
The company’s project portfolio demonstrates its capacity to handle diverse assignments. Among notable projects are the remodeling and conversion of residential buildings into modern duplexes, construction of residential developments in Plateau State and Abuja, renovation of housing units, design and supervision of institutional facilities, and the development of student accommodation projects.
Beyond traditional construction, Engr. Hosea has embraced the growing importance of sustainability in development. Through Depunz Construction Limited, he actively promotes renewable energy applications, sustainable building practices, rural electrification initiatives, water supply infrastructure, and environmentally responsible engineering solutions. His vision aligns with global efforts to create resilient communities and sustainable urban development.
As a practicing professional, Engr. Hosea remains actively involved in project planning, construction supervision, quality assurance, client engagement, and strategic business development. His hands-on leadership style enables him to maintain close oversight of projects while ensuring that client expectations, safety standards, and quality specifications are consistently achieved.
Colleagues and industry associates describe him as a disciplined professional, a strategic thinker, and a results-oriented leader who approaches every project with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail. His ability to balance technical precision with practical execution has earned him the confidence of clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
Beyond business success, Engr. Hosea views construction as a vehicle for national development. He believes that quality infrastructure is essential for economic growth, social progress, and improved living standards. This philosophy continues to guide his professional decisions and inspires his commitment to delivering projects that create lasting value for communities.
Today, as Nigeria seeks innovative solutions to its housing deficit, infrastructure challenges, and sustainable development goals, Engr. Michael Hosea continues to play a significant role in advancing the nation’s development agenda. Through Depunz Construction Limited, he remains dedicated to providing professional expertise, engineering excellence, and practical solutions that contribute to building stronger communities and a more prosperous future.
His story is one of vision, perseverance, professional growth, and purposeful leadership. It is a story that reflects the transformative power of expertise and determination in shaping the physical environment and creating opportunities for future generations.
For Engr. Michael Hosea, every completed project represents more than a structure of concrete, steel, and bricks. It represents a commitment fulfilled, a problem solved, a community strengthened, and another step toward building the Nigeria of tomorrow.
Professional Profile at a Glance
Name: Engr. Michael Hosea Chihirvwam
Profession: Builder, Civil Engineer, Construction Technologist, Entrepreneur
Position: Managing Director, Depunz Construction Limited
Date of Birth: September 11, 1983
Academic Qualifications:
– B.Sc. Building
– B.Eng. Civil Engineering
– M.Sc. Construction Technology
Professional Memberships:
– Member, Nigerian Institute of Building (MNIOB)
– Registered Builder, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON)
Core Areas of Expertise:
– Building Construction
– Civil and Structural Engineering
– Project Management
– Construction Technology
– Infrastructure Development
– Water Engineering
– Renewable Energy Applications
– Development Consultancy
Vision:
To contribute meaningfully to national development through innovative, sustainable, and high-quality construction solutions that improve lives and transform communities.
This article is controbuted by Theresa Moses
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Iniedu Aniette Okokon as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).
The new spokesperson replaces Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, who was appointed to the role three months ago shortly after Disu assumed office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
The changes were formally conveyed through a Police Wireless Message signed by the Force Secretary and circulated to relevant departments, commands and formations of the Nigeria Police Force, notifying officers of the immediate leadership transition in the Force Public Relations Department, as well as accompanying redeployments affecting other strategic units.
CSP Okokon, until his new appointment, served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Although the police authorities have yet to provide official details explaining the circumstances behind the sudden reshuffle, sources within the Force Headquarters told THEWILL that the outgoing police spokesperson has been redeployed to the Lagos State Police Command, where he is expected to take up new responsibilities in line with the latest personnel adjustments within the Force.
