Nigeria To World Cup: It’s The Hope That Kills

On October 14th, I’m going to be off the Internet. Don’t ask me why.

Okay, ask me why.

The Super Eagles are playing football. Apparently, Nigeria is set to play its last World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo — and we need a win to secure first position if South Africa loses, or at least a playoff spot if we beat Benin.

Now, you might wonder why I want to disappear from the Internet that day. Simple: the Super Eagles are the kings of disappointment.

First of all, we shouldn’t even be in this situation. What exactly was the plan? To struggle for qualification like amateurs? And then there’s the painful truth: the Super Eagles always disappoint when it matters most.

Just look at AFCON 2024 — wahala talah! Nobody expected Nigeria to even cross the group stage with that confused tiki-taka football, yet somehow we reached the finals. And then, as usual, we bottled it against Ivory Coast — the same team we had beaten 2–0 in the group stage.

What still pains me is Ola Aina’s confession after the final — that he played with a Grade 2 hamstring injury. Nigerians were all over social media calling him “patriotic” and “selfless.” Abeg, that wasn’t patriotism. That was stupidity — foolish and selfish behaviour. Why didn’t you say you couldn’t play? Both goals we conceded came from his side.

As for this World Cup qualification, I had already given up hope. The way these players have been performing, it’s like they’re on a playground. But somehow, despite everything — the heartbreak, the trauma, the disappointment — there’s still that tiny flicker of hope in me.

And you know the saying: it’s the hope that kills.

Because the Super Eagles have this insane habit — they give you hope on a platter of gold today, and snatch it away the next day.

Oh, and by the way — that Uyo Stadium is cursed.