BERLIN DIARY: REBRANDING NIGERIA

Dateline: 'Lost but found' file!

Although I was harassed by a freezing cold weather (10 degrees) as soon as I landed Tegel Airport in Berlin, Germany from Madrid, Spain; it was the warm, beautiful truth in the phrase 'German machine' that got to me.

From pick up at the airport to the guest house, it was a display of efficiency from my hosts. This seamless arrangement was to be the routine throughout the duration of my visit. Thankfully, ‘African time’ and the hustle and bustle of Lagos life became extinct as one was exposed to Berlin. I also realized for a truth also that Germans were usually on time - from the arrival and departure of buses, subway trains, delivery of goods and services to keeping of every day appointments. It was also refreshing to know that one could literally browse the internet at the speed of touch.

“You cannot visit Germany and not eat a Donne Kebab,” I had been told. Of course, it was my first meal when I arrived. Besides Donne Kebab and other types of food on offer, I tried as much to feed my curiosity on Berlin’s sights and sounds during my stay. Sometimes, being in a foreign country does something significant to your sense of patriotism, especially when you hear Yoruba and Ibo speaking Nigerians conversing on the subway train in far away Berlin!. That was how my Nigerianness got the better of me, after I was twice confronted by warped up images and impression of Nigeria. There and then, I became an unofficial ambassador and spokesperson for the Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation rebranding campaign.

The first time was when my Vietnamese friend revealed that he thought that the Nigeria of 2003 was actually how it was portrayed in the 2003 Hollywood movie, Tears from the Sun, starring Bruce Willis. I had to thoroughly lecture and ‘rebrand’ him in the image of seeing Nigeria in a positive light. “I would really love to visit your country,” he told me afterwards. Good job, I smiled to myself, I wished Dora Akunyili was here to see this.

The second time was when I, along with some foreign friends, went to the Sony Centre to watch the premiere of the movie, The Informant, starring another renowned Hollywood actor, Matt Damon; a story about a top executive in a company who ended up being a spy for the U.S Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and then leaving behind a trail of lies. At the end of the movie, I was miffed with the numerous Nigeria and 419 references contained in the movie. “But 419 actually started in Nigeria,” one of my foreign friends, a Ghanaian, explained while I tried, painfully so, to edit the implication of some comments made in the movie linking Nigeria to the practice of advanced fee fraud, better known as 419. It seemed District 9 and that Sony (Play Station 3) advertisement was not the only visuals that seemingly portrayed Nigeria in a negative way after all.

Unexpectedly, Nollywood came to my rescue. Some days after those ‘rebranding’ incidents, my Ugandan friend went on and on about the popularity of Nigerian home videos in her country; just like it was so in most other African countries (although the prevalence of voodoo in home videos was a sore point of the discussion). Maybe, the federal government could learn a thing or two from their American counterparts – movies, apart from their avowed entertainment value, are also a powerful weapon to telling your own stories to the rest of the world, instead of waiting and watching while others malign it for their own interests.

Despite the cold weather, which I came prepared for; Berlin was a very beautiful and enriching experience. With its historical landmarks and large percentage of youth population, you can’t but fall in love with the city, which offered so much in terms of infrastructure, culture and lifestyle.

From being part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the fall of the Berlin Wall at the famous Brandenburg Gate (where I heard about Nigeria’s dramatic qualification for the FIFA 2010 World Cup), to making a trip to Hamburg (where I later gathered that the Golden Eaglets lost to Switzerland in the final of the Under-17 World Cup); travelling being another learning experience never had a more meaningful meaning.

Although as much as one enjoyed every bit of his stay in such ‘sane’ and functional society, it was also a jarring reminder of many things that don’t work, but should be working in Nigeria; where citizens are forced to provide their own electricity, security and water; where simple traffic rules are broken endlessly, where lawmakers are also law breakers…the list goes on and on - a reminder of the systemic failure of leadership in Africa’s most populous country. Again, I was forced to wonder like Femi Kuti why Nigeria’s leaders, past and present, turn a blind eye to implementing the development they see in their frequent travels to Europe. The only snag I had with Berlin was not having enough time to explore the city… and once getting lost in translation, then paying an extra fifteen euro (never budgeted for) to buy another phone recharge card. My saving grace was that I learnt early enough that maps and a German dictionary are handy tools for any first time visitor.

Nevertheless, the sweltering heat and the stark difference of living conditions and working systems in Nigeria compared to Germany, it felt so exciting to be back home, in Lagos (Africa’s New York) with a treasure chest of experience and fond memories. Not even the policeman at the car park, who ‘asked’ for any small thing (to grease his palms), could dampen my enthusiasm. There is really no place like home. As we drove out of Murtala Muhammad International Airport, into the streets of Lagos, where most buildings were mercifully being powered by generators, I silently prayed that things would get better for Nigeria and Nigerians. At least Governor Babatunde Fashola has so far proven that some things can be done right. True national rebranding should actually begin with each and every single Nigerian, everywhere.

THE ECLIPSE OF A GRIN

Widely acclaimed as one of Nigeria’s most sought after Hip Hop artistes of recent times, Dagrin’s rise to fame was cruelly cut short by the sting of death on Thursday, April 22, 2010, eight days after crashing his Nissan Sedan into a stationary heavy duty lorry along Alakara Road, in Mushin area of Lagos.

Born Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun, Dagrin’s first official entrance into Nigeria’s music scene came unannounced as his 2006 debut album “Still on the Matter” did not enjoy much publicity or commercial success. Back then, only a few had heard of this confident, yet humble, young Nigerian artiste who stamped his creativity with his style – rapping in his native Yoruba language. Although Lord of Ajasa can arguably be said to have started the movement, Dagrin, with his energy and swagger, literally oiled the wheels. “There are quite a lot of guys out there who do the same thing. But Lord of Ajasa is the pioneer. Like I tell people always, I rap in Yoruba, while Ajasa represents,” said Dagrin in an interview with a magazine. Mutual respect is quite rare in this genre dominated by overblown egos and personality clashes.

And it takes humility to dance in the limelight and still remember the sparks that made it possible.

On his journey into musical prominence, Dagrin featured on Efimile, a track with fellow artiste and close friend, YQ. But it was the release of his second album, CEO (Chief Executive Omoita) that forever etched Dagrin on Nigeria’s musical consciousness. With hit singles such as Thank God, Pon Pon Pon and Kondo, the album rapidly gained critical acclaim and commercial success. For most Nigerians, both at home and in Diaspora, here was an artiste that has finally entered the zone of his creative powers and ready to conquer the world with his music. Many expected that he would be hugging the limelight for a long time to come; until his untimely death in a private ward in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba.

A flower was cut off in full bloom. At the age of twenty six, Dagrin was gone too soon. No doubt, Nigeria has lost one of its finest and original artistes. Although his earthly time was short, Dagrin made an impact with his music, which many believe would certainly outlive him. “We pray that his music and what he represented lives on and that his memories live in our hearts,” said renowned rap artiste, M.I. Maybe if reliable statistics were available, it would have shown that CEO (Chief Executive Omoita) record sale has hit the roof.

Dagrin’s short life and being able to rise above his circumstances is a testimony to the power of dreams – and believing in it. What he was able to achieve with his music in such a short time should be motivation to millions of Nigerians youths who should believe that they too, with hardwork and doggedness, can achieve their dreams in any field of endeavour. “If only Dagrin had lived longer….,” many (understandably) would still cry. But if there is any solace in such unexpected loss, it is the fact that Dagrin, against the odds, pursued and lived his dreams. And yes he did it in a big way - on the big stage.

Unlike in 2006, when he came into the musical scene unannounced, Dagrin’s talent and hardwork ensured that he left the earthly stage with thousands of fans screaming his name and a constellation of stars trailing behind him. It was evident in the mammoth crowd that graced his candle lit procession and burial ceremony.

His fans would certainly want to keep his music alive.

Rest in Peace, Dagrin.

© ARUKAINO UMUKORO

NIGERIA’S FOREIGN COACH WAHALA

Football has been described as a theatre by fans worldwide, largely due to its suspense and entertainment qualities. But, going by the increasing number of names on the wish list of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the search for a foreign technical adviser to coach the Super Eagles, for the umpteenth time, has seemingly transcended into a circus (and a theatre of the absurd).

While other countries seem to be in the final stages of preparations, Nigeria is still searching for a foreign coach to lead the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. At least 20 names have been mentioned, at one time of the other, in the NFF search for a foreign coach. Now Arrigo Sachhi (former Italy coach) and Glen Hoddle (former England coach) have been thrown into the bandwagon of 'probables'

Although, recent reports have it that former coach of Sweden, Lars Lagerback; former Ghana coach, Ratomir Djukovic and Qatar coach Bruno Metsu are top contenders for the Eagles’ coaching job (after the Eagles’ job offer was turned down by Guus Hiddink, the newly appointed Turkish coach, Louis Van Gaal and Giovanni Trappatoni, coach of Ireland); the country’s football federation authorities have conjured different names at different times , hoping that one of them would agree to lead the Super Eagles team to the 2010 FIFA World Cup slated for South Africa in June. The NFF wish list had also included names such as Frank Rijkaard, Herve Renard, Claude Leroy, Bonfere Jo, Englishman Peter Taylor and Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata. While the likes of John Barnes, Klaus Topmoeller, Dragoslav Stepanovic and former England coach, Sven Goran Ericksson filed in their application without the NFF asking. This comes on the heels of the ‘transfer’ of Shaibu Amodu to coach the Eagles’ B team – created to accommodate local-based players, despite meeting the set target of reaching the semi-finals of 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

For many Nigerians, the NFF indecision to replace Amodu swiftly, with the bandying of different names of coaches they never formally contacted in the first place, might not to do good for the country’s cause of performing creditably well at the World Cup.

“It would take only a miracle for Nigeria to perform at the World Cup with current level of preparation,” said Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana on brilafm sports radio. Olofinjana lamented the fact that while other countries already have their handlers in place and have continued earnest preparations for the World Cup, Nigeria is still searching for one. “We are talking about a World Cup which will hold in June and we still don’t have a coach,” he queried. Nigeria remains the only country among the thirty two World Cup bound countries without a ‘standing’ coach in place to lead them.

Patrick Ekeji, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Taiwo Ogunjobi and Dominic Iorfa are members of the NFF executive committee saddled with the responsibility of meeting the coaching candidates in London. According the NFF, three names would be decided upon by February 26 while the new Eagles’ coach would be unveiled two days later, on February 28. And if Bolaji Omo-Oba, the NFF secretary General, is to be believed, whoever is finally appointed as the Eagles’ World Cup coach would have to make do with watching his team from the stands when the Eagles take on Paraguay in a friendly match billed for March 3 in London. “We cannot wait for the new coach because there is no time, so we will call up the players and the team will resume camp for the game,” he said last week, while adding that “there will definitely be somebody in charge for the game”. Even Paraguay have reportedly pulled out of the friendly, preferring to play Athletic Bilbao instead.

Although the identity of that person remain uncertain until February 28, Ojo-Oba’s words just reechoed the need why the NFF should act fast on appointing a coach to lead the Super Eagles to the World Cup – time is running out.

DORA, THE SUPERWOMAN, IS BACK

Finally someone in the cabal goes the right way. The recent memo presented by Minister of information and Communication, Dora Akunyili, to the Federal Executive Council, in which she called on President Yar Adua to 'step down' ruffled many a feather. The former director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), whom many Nigerians have come to love and admire for her passion, selflessness and patriotism in carrying out her duties, finally stands up from the crowd.

"I believe that in the choice of all of us, as individuals and group, Mr. president must have considered our ability to guide him right to serve our people better, promote and protect the constitution in line with the oath of office taken before him in this chamber by each and everyone of us...," the second paragraph of her memo read. Akunyili brought examples of how the absence of the president has created a logjam in the running of state affairs. "Many of those opportunities existed in the past 70 days that I do not need to recount. I do not need to repeat the uncomplimentary statements made by the United States, United Kingdom and EU concerning the current state of affairs in Nigeria.... I wish to call on the Federal Executive Council to act now in the best interest of our dear President and our dear nation...." the memo continued.

"If we fail to act now, history will not forgive us. I rest my case," were her closing statement.

What the men in Nigeria's Federal Executive Council (FEC) couldn't do; well, a woman, Dora, did!

Nigeria needs men who can stand for the truth, and rise above their self interests. It doesn't matter if they come in feminine skin.

Well Done, Amazon Dora. Let the revolution be televised.

AVATAR THE REVIEW: HOLLYWOOD REINVENTS

Avatar sure delivers on the hype and shows 3D technology in all its wonder and majesty.

Finally, we watched it. Movie critics worldwide have long agreed that whatever Hollywood director James Cameron touches is certain to be a box office hit. But his $300 million dollar 161-minute film, Avatar, broke the limits. In just seven weeks after release, it has crossed the $2 billion mark, further eclipsing Titanic’s worldwide box office gross record of $1.843 billion. The 3D animation distributed by 20th Century Fox show is about blue-skinned aliens trying to defend their space against US invaders has continued to stun millions of viewers worldwide with its breathtaking special effects, 3D scenic wonders, surreal animation and powerful theme.

Set in the year 2154, Avatar is the story of human adventure into the exotic world of aliens; the distant jungle moon called Pandora and home of the alien tribe Na’vi, 10 foot blue creatures with yellow eyes and haunting looks. The Na’vi live in harmony with nature and worship a mother goddess called Eywa. In an amazing progression of arresting visuals, Pandora becomes an expedition site for human curiosity – the US based RDA Corporation, an seeking to mine a valuable rock called unobtainium (a fictitious term coined by engineers in the 1950s to describe any extremely rare, costly, or unavailable or practically impossible material to use) from ‘Hometree’ – home of the Omaticaya clan of the Na’vi (get the joke, unobtainable –ium). Parker Selfridge heads the mining operation, which employs private military contractors for security.

The adventure into Pandora truly begins when scientists create avatars, hybrids grown from Na’vi and human DNA, to enable research of Pandora’s unfriendly biosphere and communications with the Na’vi. Pandora gradually becomes a love nest and then a battle field for both aliens and humans. The hero of the plot is Jake Sully (played by Termination Salvation star Sam Worthington), a disabled ex-marine who is drafted into the team to replace his late twin brother, a trained avatar operator, as his DNA matched with the avatar. But, Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), head of the Avatar Program, considers Sully unfit to take his brother’s place and assigns him as a bodyguard.

Jake, together with anthropologist Norm Spellman (Joel David Moore) and Grace finally leave the US base in their respective avatars on the mission – to collect biological samples and data in the Pandora forest. An attack in the forest splits Jake from the group and he is left alone to ward off the predators by himself, until he is rescued by the beautiful female Na’vi huntress, Neytiri (played by Zoe Saldana), and brought to Hometree. Neytiri’s mother Mo’at, as the tribe’s spiritual leader, is convinced by Jake’s story and mandated her daughter to teach him their way of life. Like in all Hollywood epics, there would always be a love twist to the tale. Sully not only learns the language, culture and war strategies of the alien natives, he also falls in love with Neytiri.

After spending over three months, Jake wins the trust of the Na’vi and the heart of Neytiri, who become his mate.

There is a further twist in the tale when Jake’s allegiance is brought to question when he disabled an RDA bulldozer while it embarked on a destruction of the Na’vi’s Tree of Voice, a sacred and gigantic tree revered by the tribe. Jake is forced to reveal his true mission to the Omaticaya. Neytiri is shattered and accuses him of betrayal. Both Jake’s and Grace’s avatar are then captured. RDA still goes ahead to destroy Hometree, killing many Na’vis in the process, including Neytiri’s father and the Tribe’s chief Eytucan. Back in RDA, Jake, Grace and Norm are imprisoned for betraying RDA, but then escape with the help of Trudy Chacón (Michelle Rodriguez), a security force pilot who doesn’t agree with Quaritch’s methods. Jake finds the Omaticaya and regains his trust by taming Toruk, a powerful flying beast that only five Na’vi had ever tamed. However, Grace, seriously wounded during the getaway by Quaritch, could not be healed by Mo'at at the Tree of Souls.

Fast forward. Jake, together with Tsu’Tey (leader of the Omaticaya) and Neytiri, help to raise thousands of warriors from various Na’vi tribes to fight against the human – RDA Corporation. The Na’vi suffer heavy casualties and Quaritch finds Jake’s avatar link unit where his human body is located and attacks it, exposing Jake, in human form, to Pandora human-unfriendly atmosphere. Again, Neytiri comes to Jake’s rescue by killing Quaritch. Neytiri sees Jake’s human body for the first time and both declare their love for each other. “I see you,” They both say. After the attack is defeated, Selfridge and the rest RDA personnel are captured and expelled from Pandora. However, Jake, Norm and some other scientists stay back with the Na’vi tribe. There, a ritual is performed that transfers Jake from his human body into his Na’vi avatar, permanently.

Avatar has been described in glowing phrases – extraordinary, delivers on the hype, produces sensations of wonder, awe and delight, stuns the eye and seduces the heart, the most beautiful film in years – but TIME’s Richard Corliss might have captured its whole essence when he rightly noted that “for years to come it would define what movies can achieve, not in duplicating our existence but in confecting new ones,” he wrote in his review of Avatar. For its development of 3D viewing and stereoscopic filmmaking with cameras that were specially designed for the film's production, Avatar gives a captivating bird’s eye view into the future of filmmaking technology.

Love, suspense, passion, loyalty, betrayal, salvation; Avatar has it all to make the epic of all times. Or what else do you expect from a movie that played in the mind of a Hollywood director genius for fourteen years? And in the end, 161 minutes seem too short a lifetime for 3D cinematic beauty. Only a daring few would bet against it not sweeping the Oscars. And then a sequel.

© ARUKAINO UMUKORO

CULTURE REVOLUTION IN NIGERIA'S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE IN 2010

2009 was an eventful year for Nigeria’s dynamic entertainment scene. From music, movies to comedy shows, it was a new level of acceptance and recognition for many a Nigerian artiste, actor and comedian. M.I, D Banj, TuFace and P Sqaure proudly flew the Nigerian flag once again at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) held in Kenya where they all carted home awards. Nneka Egbuna won the coveted Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) awards in the UK and then, Femi Kuti got another Grammy nomination (maybe he would finally win the coveted Award too).

For Obi Asika, CEO of Storm Records, one of Nigeria’s foremost recording labels, music would still define the country’s entertainment scene in 2010. “In 2010, I believe you would see quality music coming from a number of places. Some of us are working hard to unlock the opportunities for Nigerian talents this year” he noted. “I’m very excited that Femi Kuti got nominated (for the Grammy Awards) and I pray that he wins it because it would give a big boost to Nigerian music.” Not only that, he believes music still holds the key to the other channels of entertainment; TV, movies, events, fashion and merchandise. “In 2010, I believe you would see quality music coming from a number of places,” he said.

Despite that fact that Nigerian music has become a dominant force on the African continent, Asika believes that most artistes still have to improve their acts if they want to be significant in 2010. ‘There were a lot of music albums in 2009, but to be frank, there was a distinct lack of originality, where artistes were chasing hit records instead of hit music,” says Asika. For most music buffs, the usual suspects, the likes of Dbanj, Asa, Wande Coal, P-Square, to mention a few, may still be musical forces to reckon with, but the new year would also witness the coming of age of budding talents and an unleashing of more musical creativity, including the likes of General Pype, GT the Guitarman. Renowned names such as Naeto C, Sasha, Asa, and Tosin Martins are also putting finishing touches to their albums.

The New Year might also present a drawing board for some already established acts to get their acts back together, or a springboard for them to consolidate on their successes so far. But, like Asika asserts, “What we are looking for is higher ground, the content of the music and the production and the rhythm,” he said.

Apart from the issue of originality and quality of music, the industry might just need restructuring if it has to consolidate on whatever gains it had in 2009. “It needs proper structures in terms of marketing and distribution,” says veteran entertainment journalist, Kunle Ayeni. “The quality control at radio stations and all the record labels must improve and the artistes should be much more Pan-Nigeria in their lyrics and all that,” he noted. The music industry, he said, would be much stronger if the government sorted out the issues of copyright matters so that more people in the industry could be rewarded for their efforts.

On the other hand, the 2010 edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, organized by Silverbird Communications, would be another major entertainment highlight of the year. The MBGN beauty pageant in Nigeria produced the first African Miss World (Agbani Darego) in 2001. Some entertainment buffs also hold the opinion that TV reality shows, cinema culture and comedy might reach a new level in 2010. But the major question on the lips of many is if Nollywood could make a significant bounce back, after a lull in the last couple of years. Ayeni thinks so. “If you look at what happened last year, with movies such as Through the Glass and The Figurine, you would see that Nollywood is (gradually) moving from the direction of quantity to that of quality. It looks like producers have taken contents, cinematography, and scripting more seriously. If they can also put the crises of the AGN (Actors Guild of Nigeria) behind them and sort out their distribution, I think Nollywood would eventually breakaway from the shackles of yesteryears,” he said.

2010 is also significant because it is the year that marks Nigeria’s 50th Independence anniversary. For Asika, entertainment is going to play a major role in the celebrations. “Without entertainment, there would be no Nigeria at 50, because what are we going to talk about?” he asked, while adding that his company, Storm 360, is currently working on a 13-episode TV drama series called ‘Nigeria, the first 100 years’ (1860 – 1960). “We have not told our story, so why do we complain when they tell our stories for us? So in the 50th year, we’re going to tell our own story,” he said. Entertainment might be one significant channel to do just that.

SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS STRUGGLE FOR CLASS IN EUROPE

Argentine football genius, Lionel Messi succeeds Cristiano Ronaldo as FIFA World Player of the Year and European Footballer of the Year 2009. But, notably absent from the coveted list of best footballers in Europe are Nigerian players.

Nigerian footballers were once again absent in the list for the prestigious European Footballer of the Year award, otherwise known as the ‘Ballon d’Or’ and the FIFA World Player of the Year. The 2009 editions were won by Argentine and Barcelona whiz kid Lionel Messi, once an unknown player who mesmerized the FIFA Under-20 world cup stage in 2005 and then the football world with his artistry on the ball.

However, there was also one John Mikel Obi in the Nigerian Under-20 side that lost gallantly to Messi’s Argentina. Following his heroics with the Flying Eagles at the tournament, both Chelsea and Manchester United had a protracted battle to sign him on, until Chelsea won him over. Both Mikel and Messi were touted by most football fans to go on to perform excellently in the senior level. However, while both have developed into world-class players, it is the little Argentine football maestro that has stolen the global headlines.

So, what seems to go wrong with Nigerian footballers, who despite their potentials, natural flair and skill, have in recent times, been absent from the prestigious list of being among the very best in Europe and the world?

For ex-Super Eagles player and now football administrator Mutiu Adepoju, the reasons are not far-fetched. “None of our players are playing in top European clubs (except Mikel and Martins), our national team have not really done much in the past few years, coupled with the fact that European clubsides with some Nigerian players don’t get to feature in the major (stages of) championships like the European Champions League,” he said.

In 1989, the great Pele, mesmerized by the quality and depth of talent in the Golden Eaglets team to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, had famously tipped most of them to go on to win the FIFA senior World Cup for Nigeria. Unfortunately, that never happened, since most of these players never featured for major European club sides or graduated to play consistently for the Super Eagles.

Despite the fact that thousands of Nigerian players are scattered across Europe and South America, only a handful are currently notable names on the world football scene; Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany), Joseph Yobo and Yakubu Aiyegbeni (both of Everton FC, England). At the height of the Super Eagles dominance of African football in the middle nineties, when they won the African Nations’ Cup and got to the second round of the FIFA World Cup in 1994, players such as Rashid Yekini, Daniel Amokachie, Finidi George, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha were plying their trade with notable European club sides.

But, it wasn’t until 1994, that Nigeria football became a constant on the world map when the Super Eagles won the African Nations’ Cup and got to the second round of the FIFA senior World Cup; with the likes of players such as Rashid Yekini, Daniel Amokachie, Finidi George, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha, who were then plying their trade with notable European club sides.

While Nigeria football fortunes took a down turn after some of the players were part of the Dream team that won Nigeria the 1996 Olympic gold medal, the rest of Africa saw a vacuum to fill. In 1995, George Opong Weah of Liberia became the only African to won the World, European and African Footballer of the Year. Samuel Eto’O of Cameroon thrice won the CAF African footballer of the year consecutively, while the likes of Didier Drogba of Cote’D’voire, Michael Essein of Ghana, Mahamadou Diarra of Mali, Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo, and lately Seydou Keita of Mali and Yaya Toure of Cote’D’Ivoire announced themselves on the world stage. They have also received worthy mention either in the list of World or European Footballer of the Year category. Great footballers always take out time to develop themselves individually. Maybe some of the players are not doing enough to enhance their skills development and winning mentality?

Nigerian players to have made either the World Player of the Year or European Player of the Year shortlist between 1995 and 2005 include Finidi George, Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo. In 2004, Okocha was also listed in football legend Pelé's FIFA 100 (a list of the greatest 125 living players of all time). In 2007 he was voted number 12 on the greatest African footballers of the past 50 years list, on a poll conducted by CAF to coincide with their 50th anniversary. Kanu was the last Nigerian to win the CAF African Footballer of the Year Award in 2000.

For Nigerian players, that is as good as it gets. Barring a good performance for both club and country in 2010, a world cup year, maybe some other Nigerian footballer would follow in the footsteps of Kanu and Okocha. “I hope so,” Adepoju said.