Nigeria as a country has gone through a lot. The problems are enormous and the one that is most regrettable to me is the disunity among the citizens.
I grew up at a time when Nigerians were more united than we have now. The distrust started from the unfortunate three years of civil war fought in the late 60s. Nigeria has not been able to heal from that experience. While the hope of healing the wounds was increasing when the leadership left the hands of military to civilian administration in 1999, a few years after, the politicians jeopardized such opportunities with bad leadership.
At the peak of this, pundits were of the opinion that the lifespan of the country was nearing the end. Some major commentators predicted the split of Nigeria during the 2015 general elections. Fortunately for the country, we were able to come out of that election unshattered.
The challenges moved from bad to worse. The unity between North and South deteriorated. I began to wonder if this is the same Nigeria that history revealed to me had a Northerner as the mayor of a major southeastern city. A Nigeria where southerners were protected by northerners.
The tension became high towards each election year due to accusations and counter accusations of nepotism in government.
The story wasn't different during the 2023 general elections. Tensions were heightened and some people predicted bloodshed. Many commentators predicted an imminent failed nation.
However, throughout the electioneering period, I believed in the country's strength to withstand the shock and emerge stronger. Nigeria is a work in progress, I believe. The election had come and gone and the leaders at each level emerged. Irrespective of the opinion of individuals about the leaders elected, I am thankful to God that Nigeria is still standing strong defying the wishes of the naysayers.
Though the economy and insecurity are still a source of concern, I am glad that the country is still standing strong. Democracy remains the best form of government that allows the majority to have their way and I am thankful that each election is making our nascent democracy stronger.
2023 was a great year in the life of Nigerian democracy and I am thankful for that.
In the midst of the disunity, one of the few things trying to unify Nigeria is sport. My favorite sport is football and since my childhood, I have been following super eagle, the Nigerian national football team. Whenever the green-white-green jersey is on the field of play, Nigerians are united behind the team.
Nigerians don't care which tribe is wearing the jersey, all they want is to see the team winning. Beyond the team glory, we have the individual awards that draw accolades nationwide.
The ballon d'or for the global celebration of the best player and the CAF awards to celebrate the best player in Africa.
Whereas no Nigeria have been able to win the ballon d'or, four Nigerians won the CAF footballer of the year before 2023, the last person being Kanu Nwakwo in 1999. After 24 years, another Nigerian, Victor Osimhen won the award in 2023. He became the only Nigerian player to rank in the top 10 of ballon d'or award rankings. His counterpart in the super falcon, the female national team, Asisat Oshoala won the female category of the CAF footballer of the year for the record sixth time.
Nigerians across every division celebrated these African icons and I am glad that they put Nigeria on the African map for a good reason.
For the football game lovers and indeed all Nigerians, 2023 was an awesome year worth being thankful for. It is also a great booster to the super eagles going into the African cup of Nations in a few days.
I join other well meaning Nigerians to wish the super eagles the best of luck. I hope they bring home the cup.