This shows how the advancement of science and medicine can still help people retain their lifelong dreams, and also help them live better lives.
When I saw this, I tried to recall another African player with something similar. Now I remember.
It’s Mohamed Diamé.
Coincidentally, Diamé is Senegalese too. He also played at the London 2012 Olympics for Senegal, just like Cheikhou Kouyate. He’s also a combative midfielder and played in Ligue 1 and Premier League. Many similarities.
I knew Diamé when he moved to the Premier League.
But before that move, there was the diagnosis that could have changed the course of his story.
Diamé was a youth player at RC Lens when it was found that he had an issue with his heart. He was told to stop playing football. An advice he rejected.
Due to Diame’s cardiac condition, a pitchside defibrillator was provided for him. It was a portable automated external defibrillator.
Diame played for four Premier League teams despite his heart condition. He played for Wigan, West Ham, Newcastle and Hull City and was linked to bigger teams.
He probably would have played for a bigger Premier League or European club if they had no reservations about his health.
He had a great career regardless, considering the context of his situation.
On Sept. 23, I sent Meta a demand letter after someone dear to me had her Instagram accounts permanently disabled since Feb. 1, without explanation.
Yesterday, all 5 accounts got restored.
It’s time Meta was held accountable for how it treats Nigerian users.
If they don’t want to see the hope in the roads we build, the children we raise, and the economy we are growing, we will give them eyeglasses.
- Tinubu
If millions of Nigerians need glasses to see the achievement, then the achievement must be hiding very well.