Since I came back from South Africa after Nigeria’s ouster from the 2010 World Cup, which had been foretold on several occasions in this column, the main story I ruminated on writing was to suggest that Nigeria should take a sabbatical from international football.

Then on Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan, as if reading my mind, threw the bombshell, and for the next two years, our beloved but much maligned and disgraced nation, on football field, will save us the embarrassment, as we set to put our home in order. This is the best move by any Nigerian leader ever.

We are not the first to withdraw from international competition, many others had done so and reaped the benefits, and if we do not allow the dreadful Nigerian factor to bedevil our own, Nigeria should come out better and stronger. Let’s face the truth. Our football has sunk to an unbelievably low level, we do not produce quality footballers any more, our organization is shambolic, the administrators are self-seeking members of the rogues’ gallery.

The last time I was proud to watch Nigeria at international level was in 1994, ever since then the so-called national team, the Super Eagles have been given Nigerians disorders, ranging from headache, hypertension to heart attacks. South Africa 2010 was the last straw and the Federal Government has taken appropriate action. Enough is enough.

If Nigeria do not engage in international football, it is like the proverbial ram that takes a retreat, only to dash back stronger. The two year sabbatical ordered by President Jonathan is not enough. We need to redeem ourselves by confessing the uncountable sins we have committed in the last 25 years.

Since FIFA introduced age group championships, Nigeria have won the Under 17 thrice, but, it is painful to admit, we cheated all the way through. All the serving Sport Ministers, all the serving NFA Chairmen, the Coaches and sports journalists knew. If we cannot go back to apologize to FIFA and other countries we offended, let us beg God for forgiveness.

There is a curse on Nigerian football and the Super Eagles and it will take some time before the curse is lifted. Ever since the National Sports Commission, from the mid 1980s began to squander 90 per cent of the sports budget on football, other sports, totaling 30, have been praying for the downfall of football, so that the NSC big wigs will be put to shame. Match bonus given to one Super Eagle is higher than what some national sports associations receive annually. The grumbling has been going on since the NTA Sports was located inside the National Stadium Surulere, and I heard it ever so often. The Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers, Board members, Sport men and Women and their teeming supporters privately curse football and wish that it will not succeed in Nigeria.  

My advice to the NSC and the Presidency is to ensure that while the Super Eagles go on two year sabbatical, let them appease other sports and help them to develop. The Presidency and the NSC should manage this episode of our sports efficiently to serve as notice that what befell football can hit other recalcitrant sports, as well.