In 2005, after Nigeria had lost 2-1 to Argentina in the FIFA U20 World Cup tournament; I was one of many Nigerians who felt that Lionel Messi had "robbed" John Obi Mikel to win the Golden ball award.
That was one of my saddest nights in the university back then in ABSU. I went from Uturu to Okigwe that night to watch the game, brewing with excitement thinking Nigeria would win. Two penalties against Nigeria, which Messi put away, and I was convinced that FIFA was against Nigeria.
To rub salt to Nigeria's injuries that night, Messi was awarded the best player of the tournament. Nothing in the world would have convinced us that night, and bring us to accept that he merited it.
21 years after, I am not ashamed to admit how wrong I was then, seeing how the now 39-year old is dragging his country to the final of the FIFA World Cup.
I am not a Messi fan. I need to stress that, because we don't all have to be anyway (as I believe he enjoys some sort of favouritism), but I can't deny his greatness. What he does is astounding, and you can't help but not marvel at his football IQ.
Then in 2005, I felt Mikel was the best player of the tournament, it was the period that Chelsea and Manchester United went all out to get him. In a Nigerian team with other exciting players like: Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, Solomon Okoronkwo, Taiye Taiwo, John Owoeri, Onyekachi Apam etc... Mikel was the standout.
Maybe my Nigerian bias skewed my objectivity towards Mikel, but what Messi has done in over two decades is proof that the technical department were spot on to give him that award.
I am not sure, but virtually all the players from that tournament must have retired, except... you know who.
It might have taken me many years to accept that he was better than Mikel then... I guess I am just coming to that realization, 21 years late.
🚨🔴⚪️ Christos Tzolis to Arsenal, here we go! Deal signed between the two clubs for €40m fee, Club Brugge authorize Christos for medical.
New winger for Arteta as Tzolis only wanted Arsenal, saying no to other clubs. Deal done, as @dimitrismanakos reported.
👀 #AFC also working hard on Morgan Rogers behind scenes.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are now set to accelerate on Morgan Rogers deal, top target as new winger as always mentioned.
Talks already advanced on player side and separate case from Tzolis, #AFC always wanted both.
No talks for Barcola so far; focus on Rogers.
Our politicians don’t even know the damage they have done to our generation.
Under the watch of President Buhari, see the corruption of the person tasked to uphold the constitution. When President Tinubu leaves too, we will uncover another rot.
Under President Ebele Jonathan we uncovered too.
It’s a terrible cycle of self destruction from kleptomaniacs unfit to lead this great country.
The country can’t build anything tangible, we rely on what the world is moving away from because everyone that is smart always finds a way to leave this country.
Nigeria kills dreams.
Graduates are being advised to do petty businesses to survive because no jobs.
The people like us that remain, our banks will tell us Interest rate is 30% to start business. Why will we invest in a credit facility in the country that clearly doesn’t want your success?
Families are split into different countries abroad because of how they have ruined the country.
Friends that should come together and create great brands are split because everyone has gone to separate countries abroad to hustle.
This is not real life mahn. I totally hate the last two generations of politicians this country has produced. They are a failure and traitors of this country.