S.O.S ALIEME

Do we really have leaders in Nigeria or forced leaders with low intelligence? I am genuinely troubled by a recent decision made by some State Governors where they hosted some of the members of the victorious super falcons separately in their various states.

After the Super Falcons’ triumphant performance at the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AFCON), a moment that lifted the hearts of millions across the country, the Governors chose to host only the players from the team all of whom happen to be of their state origin.  Uzodinma did not know he was exposing the fact that Imo State alone took seven spots in the national team. As celebrations continue, would this team be in any mood to play football in the next couple of months. Fatigue and concentration aside, can they manage their fortune and football? Do we still have a team?

In another development, Governor of Adamawa State, has also handed Coach Madugu, a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for making Nigeria proud.

I am not actually blaming the governors for hosting the players from their respective states but the issue is that Nigeria is made up of different ethnic groups and these groups are always seeking for recognition which normally bring biases among them.  Now, let’s pause for a moment and really think about that. Seven or three players don’t make a team and can never make a team. We all know this. If you watched the goals that were scored during the match, you will see that it was the combination of Rashidat Ajibade (Yoruba) who made a cross that hit the hand of the Moroccan lady which the referee signalled to be a penalty and the subsequent penalty was taken by Esther Okoronkwo (Igbo) who eventually scored the goal. Likewise the second goal was from a pull-out from Esther Okoronkwo (Igbo) which Ijamilusi (Yoruba) tapped into the net to record the second goal. The third goal was a free kick from Esther Okoronkwo which Echegini (Igbo) also scored. Anyone who has ever watched a game whether football, basketball, or even relay racing understands that victory is forged in unity, in trust, in passing the ball when it matters most.

The Super Falcons did not win because of individual brilliance alone, they won because they played together, for each other, and for Nigeria. So why would we, as a people, only celebrate a fraction of that team? This act feels selective. It feels political. And most of all, it feels painfully unfair.

What message are we sending to the rest of the players who gave their sweat, their strength, and their spirit to win for us all? What are we teaching young people who are watching and trying to understand what recognition in Nigeria really looks like? All we see are tribalism and those who hate us. If others begin to select their people from a football team that won one cup as a team, we will begin to cry and exhibit the typical herd mentality.

There is a difference between hosting a contingent to a sports even, or one athlete and picking out your people from one team and hosting them.  It divides the team and creates envy and jealousy, especially for the other small number not hosted by their own governors.  Eyes will now be focussed on the money dolled out and jealousy will creep in that Imo players got the chunk of it. Discretion is the better part of valour. 

Hosting the Super Falcons team as a whole would have scored more mileage than this selective, nepotistic approach. Other states that have no players among the Super Falcons might feel cheated.  Federal character cannot be used to select players and tribalism cannot play any active role in the selection of players.  I think what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did in recognizing and appreciating the players together as a team not minding the respective states of origin of the players is highly commendable. I want to believe the Governors meant well. I do. Maybe it was meant as a gesture of regional pride. But intention does not and will not erase impact. What it communicated, intentionally or not, was that only players from their ethnic groups were worthy of being celebrated on the soil of different states of the federation. And that is not the Naija spirit that I know. The Naija spirit is bigger than a tribe because whenever our representatives are playing we do not see ourselves as individuals but as a united and strong society. We are a people who welcome others with open arms. We celebrate excellence wherever it comes from. We love deeply. And we believe in fairness, because at our core, we know that what binds us as Nigerians is far greater than what divides us.

Look, this isn’t about politics. It’s about principle. Imagine if every governor across Nigeria decides to only honour players from their own tribe or state. What would be left of the Super Falcons’ national victory? What would be left of the idea of Nigeria? And maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Well, what’s the big deal? It’s just a small reception.” But sometimes, it’s the small things that reveal the bigger cracks in our system. Sometimes it is these quiet choices who gets invited, who gets left out that echo loudest over time.

So here’s what I hope for the governors that they should recognize the weight of this moment. That they should understand that unity is not just a word we print on banners during campaigns it is a value we live, especially when the spotlight is on.

In addition, they should take a step that does not just honour a few, but celebrates the whole. Host the entire Super Falcons team. All of them. The strikers, the defenders, the benchwarmers, the coaching staff. Show the world that Nigerian State knows how to say thank you not just to those who share our name, but to those who fought for our flag. Because at the end of the day, that victory will not be one sided or having a taste of tribalism. It wasn’t Yoruba. It wasn’t Igbo, Hausa or Tiv or Ijaw that won the trophy but Nigerian girls. And Nigeria deserves to see that reflected in our celebrations not just in our speeches. We can do better. And honestly? We should. Elsewhere, some of these resources would have been availed the National Institute for Sports to investigate if female football players’ prowess benefits from their origins. We can do that. It is not too late.

God Bless Nigeria!!!