Personality in Focus
My Memoir: How I Survived Nigeria/South Africa Match by Eric Elezuo
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.
By NOMA
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has celebrated Mr. Olakunle Aderinokun on his 55th birthday, describing him as a distinguished strategic communications expert and media professional whose nearly three-decade career continues to shape Nigeria’s communications and business landscape.
In a statement by Theresa Moses, Chairperson, NOMA highlighted Aderinokun’s current role as Head, Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings Plc, where he leads group-wide media strategy, executive communications, crisis management, and corporate reputation positioning across local and international markets.
The Alliance noted that his ability to align corporate narratives with business strategy, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory realities has strengthened institutional credibility and public trust.
Aderinokun’s career reflects a unique blend of journalism, financial services, and corporate leadership. He spent 24 years at THISDAY Newspapers, rising to the position of Group Business Editor and Associate Editor, where he played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s business journalism ecosystem. He later served as Editor, Business at ARISE News Channel, further consolidating his reputation for editorial excellence and impactful storytelling.
Throughout his journalism career, he covered critical sectors including banking, capital markets, energy, aviation, and macroeconomics, engaging directly with top policymakers, regulators, and corporate leaders. His extensive international exposure includes participation in global platforms such as the IMF-World Bank Meetings, African Development Bank Meetings, TICAD in Japan, the Nigeria-China Business Forum, Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, and Vaasa Energy Week in Finland.
Beyond journalism, Aderinokun brings strong financial and investment expertise, having worked with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Wall Street Trust Company (now WSTC Financial Services), where he handled equity analysis, market research, and investment advisory. This foundation, NOMA noted, has enabled him to effectively bridge financial performance with strategic communication outcomes.
An entrepreneur, he founded Pure Synergy Ltd in 2013, a firm focused on reputation management and strategic communications, and later served as CEO of Excite Enterprise Ltd, an online business solutions platform.
In the public sector space, Aderinokun served as Media Adviser to Senator Tokunbo Abiru in 2020, where he led media strategy and publicity for the Lagos East Senatorial campaign, contributing to its successful outcome.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Pure and Applied) from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from the University of Lagos, complemented by executive education at Lagos Business School and professional training with the World Bank Institute, NIPR, and Standard Bank Group, South Africa. He also holds multiple professional certifications across public relations, banking, marketing, and digital communications.
NOMA described him as a quintessential, multifaceted professional whose career embodies excellence, innovation, and leadership.
“Olakunle Aderinokun represents the very best of strategic communication and media practice in Nigeria. His journey is not only inspiring but also instructive for the next generation of professionals navigating the evolving media and corporate landscape,” the statement read.
As he marks his 55th birthday, NOMA commended his enduring contributions and wished him continued success, good health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has congratulated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his visionary leadership and reform-driven approach to policing in Nigeria.
In his birthday remarks, Dr. Ogunsan described the IGP as a “distinguished officer whose career has consistently reflected professionalism, courage, and a deep commitment to public safety.”
He noted that since assuming office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police early this Year 2026, Disu has demonstrated a clear resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police Force towards greater efficiency and public trust.
Dr. Ogunsan particularly praised the IGP’s emphasis on intelligence-led policing, a strategy aimed at enhancing proactive crime detection and prevention, as well as his push for the integration of digital tools and forensic capabilities into police operations. These reforms, he said, signal a shift towards modern, accountable, and citizen-focused policing.
He further highlighted Disu’s decisive steps to strengthen the state policing agenda and officers’ welfare. He praised him for the effective policing model through the restructuring and reduction of tactical units, a move designed to address concerns over excesses while redeploying personnel to police divisions for improved community-level security.
The LSSTF boss also acknowledged the IGP’s consistent advocacy for discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the Force, noting that such values are critical to restoring public confidence and enhancing institutional credibility.
Reflecting on his track record, Dr. Ogunsan recalled Disu’s impactful leadership roles across key commands, including the Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory Commands, where he contributed significantly to crime control and intelligence-driven operations.
His tenure as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos is a testament to his operational excellence and urban crime management.
Ogunsan wished the IGP good health, wisdom, and continued success in his efforts to build a more secure Nigeria. “On this special occasion, we celebrate not only a remarkable leader but a reformer whose vision continues to inspire confidence in the security architecture of our nation,” Ogunsan said.
Terrorists in northeast Nigeria killed a brigadier general in an assault on a military base, a local government chairman told AFP on Thursday, the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months.
Africa’s most populous country has been fighting a terrorist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province.
In an overnight attack, unidentified terrorists killed at least 18 soldiers and torched vehicles at a base in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres from Borno state capital Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.
Two intelligence sources confirmed Braimah’s death to AFP.
His death follows the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November. He was the highest-ranking military official to die in the long-running conflict since 2021.
“They overran the brigade,” one of the intelligence sources said, giving the death toll as “at least” 18.
The second intelligence source said that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew,” without giving a toll.
The army and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
– Rising terrorist violence –
Researchers have warned of an uptick of violence since 2025.
Borno capital Maiduguri has seen two suicide bombings since December — the type of bloody, urban attacks reminiscent of the insurgency’s peak a decade ago.
On Wednesday, the US State Department said in a notice it was authorising “non-emergency US government employees” to leave Abuja “due to the deteriorating security situation”.
While the insurgency is concentrated in the northeastern countryside, terrorists from Nigeria and the neighbouring Sahel have made inroads western Nigeria, where organised crime gangs known as “bandits” have been raiding villages and extorting farmers and artisanal miners for years.
Gunmen killed at least 90 people across several remote villages in northwest Nigeria this week, according to an AFP tally of tolls given by local and humanitarian sources.
Among the attacks was an assault in Kebbi state that police blamed a local terrorist group known as Mahmuda, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
Kebbi sits on Nigeria’s border with Benin and Niger and since 2025 has been targeted by a rising number of terrorist attacks.
Conflict monitor ACLED says there has been a surge in violence in the area carried out by militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
In nearby Kwara state, in October, fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM claimed an attack after years of researchers warning that the terrorist conflict ravaging the Sahel risked spreading south towards coastal West African states.
In December, the United States, with Nigerian assistance, bombed northwest Sokoto state, targeting Islamic State Sahel Province fighters usually found in neighbouring Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso.
AFP
