PASSPORT IDENTIFICATION: PROUDLY NIGERIAN

I wished I had an international passport with this inscription boldly written on its cover page: “God’s masterpiece. Proudly Nigerian. No apologies”. Nigeria is a powerful global brand worth trillions of dollars, unlimited natural resources, millions of hectares of fertile lands, the third largest economy in Africa, over 250 languages and the eight most populous country in the world, with over 150 million industrious, determined people.

They also say that there is a Nigerian among every four black men anywhere in the world.

As much as trips outside Nigeria gave me pleasure in showing my ‘Nigerianness’ by being an unofficial ambassador for the country; I have also been miffed to hear different tales, from reality, fiction to the utterly absurd, about Nigeria from Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.

During a trip to Berlin, my Vietnamese friend had to quiz me on the Nigeria portrayed in Tears from the Sun, a 2003 movie starring Bruce Willis. In the film, a bloody coup d'état overthrew the Presidential family, and established the dictatorship of a rebel general. The Northern Fulani Muslim rebels then execute a violent ethnic cleansing, against the Christian (mainly Catholic) Igbo tribes in the southern region. Call it the fertile imagination of one Hollywood movie director, but it certainly did not portray Nigeria in a good light. I had to ‘rebrand’ him, letting him know that my country is far better than that and that Nigeria has witnessed tremendous improvement in different areas of its national life over the years. At another occasion, I took different nationals on a journey as they quizzed me about Nigeria’s complexities. “You should become an ambassador for your country,” one of them could only say afterwards.

Well, I am, unofficially, for now.

On a recent trip to South Africa, I also met a jovial white South African man who took his humour to pit level when he questioned the integrity of 150 million Nigerians. “I can tell you anything you need to know, but I won’t give you my bank account details,” he joked. It was an absolute fallacy to label all Nigerians as drug peddlers, simply because of isolated cases, I told him straight faced. At some other times too, I have witnessed the cruel remarks about Nigerians. One Ghanaian friend once told me bluntly that Nigeria was proudly the home of 419ers. It was one of the rare times I couldn’t put up a convincing argument. The unscrupulous activities of a small majority of Nigerians have unfortunately placed a suspicious tag on hard working and honest Nigerians.

However, the good news is that, for each of the negative stories about Nigerians or Nigeria, there are also, directly or indirectly, ten to a hundred more positive, even great, inspiring stories about Nigerians and their exploits at home and abroad.

Do the math.

All the same, one out of maybe four Nigerians still desire to escape this country’s problems – epileptic power supply, bad roads, corrupt leaders, tribal wars, ethnic confusion, religious intolerance…

But, it really is up to Nigerians to change Nigeria, for the better. And I strongly believe that that great change will come in my lifetime. Yes, for Nigeria and Nigerians, everything good will come, to borrow the title of Sefi Atta’s award winning novel. But, it’s up to us, Nigerians, wherever you may be on the globe, to make that happen.

Because of the country’s myriad of problems, many Nigerians may have been forced to paraphrase a Bible quote at one time or the other; “can anything good come out of this country; despite fifty years of appalling leadership, endemic corruption, broken down value system and general disillusionment with the Nigeria project?”

To these ones, I will answer - a hundred and fifty one million times over, times fifty - YES! YES! Not just good, but great.

Nigerians have not been wholesomely applauded for so many good things, maybe because we may have allowed the rest of the world to ignore it. It’s high time Nigerians celebrated our uniqueness and diversity – in every good way possible. Have you ever wondered why they say that there is a Nigerian out of every four black men in the world? It is because Nigerians were created to make global impact. That is why the map of Nigeria is like a trigger on the map of Africa. Let’s all contribute to making the good count more.

God made you Nigerian for a divine purpose. You owe the world no apologies for ‘being’ one. Just be the best you can be, in whatever way you can. So that the world may know that Nigeria indeed is full of great people and is a great country. Let’s leave a legacy that the next generations can utterly be proud of.

God’s masterpiece. Proudly Nigerian. No apologies.

Happy 50th Independence celebration. God bless Nigeria!

© ARUKAINO UMUKORO

CONVERSATIONS - NIGERIA ON MY MIND (2)

I pondered on Otunba’s words for a minute and met a brick wall. “So, what do you expect me to do for a country that has not exactly done any tangible thing for her youths” I asked. I wanted to test his patience.

“Build your character in every way. Leadership is not Nigeria’s biggest problem. Character is. It is the only leadership quality we must have; character and capacity. If you have capacity, capability and character, and then if you have the opportunity, you must succeed. A lot of Nigerians have opportunities but they don’t have character or capability, so they can’t cope. Some people have character and capability but no opportunity. Once you can get somebody who has capabilities, character and opportunity, he will make a difference,” he said. My pulse was racing. Suddenly, anger, pain, passion, hope, redemption all welled up inside me; the nation into which I was born was causing my blood to boil.

He must have felt it because, then, he looked at me intently and touched my hands in the gentlest way. “Dare to be different. Do what you can with what you have where you are. Lead where you are. Change starts with you,” he added coolly.

On the way back home, I was speeding on a free lane. Usain Bolt wouldn’t even catch me on this, because I was racing on a future Nigeria fast track. Otunba totally convinced that Nigeria can be great again. I was rethinking Nigeria’s future and it will largely be built on what our generation does with the opportunities, no matter how small, presented us today.

Although our past leaders of Nigeria may have plundered the country’s wealth and resources; they may have raped many Nigerians of their right to decent living and good infrastructure. They may have left the country battered, bruised, naked and ashamed. But enough is enough. Wolves in sheep’s clothing should no more be allowed to continue feeding on Snow white’s inheritance. Nigeria’s future must be protected by the enlightened generation of youths. We must rescue Nigeria from the grip of charlatans masquerading as leaders; not just in the political space, but also in the church, in the mosque, in the market place, in your neighbourhood, on the streets, at your workplace, everywhere. Nigeria must rise up and say no to corruption, religious violence and jungle justice. We should join hands together to build a new Nigeria that everyone can be proud of.

“Salvation lies in true self-character development. When that seed of change and true character grows in you, the ripple effect is felt elsewhere outside you,” I remember my father telling me when we debated about the essence of salvation and how some have abused its meaning with contradictory lifestyles. When I briefed himr about my encounter with Otunba, he had something more to say.

“I agree with your friend Otunba. The failure of leadership is the root of Nigeria's problems. And it stems from the loss of true character. If Nigeria must get it right, then change must begin from inside. May I ask, what are the future leaders doing today?”

“Many things. We are holding mass rallies and sensitizing youths across Nigeria about issues that need to be addressed,”

“Okay, great. It's fine for you to have your youth rallies, mass movement actions and roundtables on the way forward for Nigeria. But truth be told, change begins from self - character development. Each person can make a difference, by visiting the future and contributing to the present. Don’t expect a seventy year old man to do that for you. Only the youth can,” he answered.

“This is our chance of redemption; of which this enlightened youth generation will play a major role. Nigeria is in your hands. Release it to the Potter and let him show you how to get involved in recreating a new Nigeria that you, us and our children’s children can be proud of. The world is waiting for your manifestation,” he continued

“We keep saying that Nigeria is the richest in terms of human and natural resources, Nigeria is the giant of Africa, and all the big clauses we use. But rich nations are envied. Powerful nations are feared. We say we are full of intellectuals. Intellectual nations are admired. But we have failed to be trusted. Only trusted nations made up of people of character will be trusted; if people of character must be trusted. That’s why I say we must go back to the future, today. And this is You, Youths,”

“I concur, dad,”

“By the way, did you know Obama met with some young African leaders recently?” he asked.

“No. What was his message to them,” I asked.

“Yes, YOUTH can,” he replied. Otunba’s wise words came back to me in full force. Don’t give up on Nigeria. Change starts with you.

The Revolution has begun.

(c) ARUKAINO UMUKORO

CONVERSATIONS - NIGERIA ON MY MIND (1)

When elders speak, even the forest animals pause to listen, says an African proverb....

...Well, I’m African. And proudly Nigerian, even though sometimes I feel pushed to describe her as my other country... But frankly, no matter where I go around the world, Nigeria will remain my country. However, I must confess to you that I still feel the Andrew’s rush of blood... I’m fed up of this country. I want to check out, man! ... Although time has refined my thoughts... But really, Naija sucks, man.... the system don’t seem to be working.... I mean, what has this country really done for me so far?

“Oh, bulls...t. Stop kidding yourself, young man. What have you done for your country?”

“Wait, who....what!?” Was it now possible to read people’s minds in a five star hotel lobby these days? My friend, Toyin, forgot that he was in a public place. We turned and saw a towering man staring at us with burning gaze. Toyin almost melted. The man, wearing an expensive lace outfit, looked fifty, or sixty.

“Forgive the interruption. But, you were speaking so loud into your phone. I thought I should let you know that you might be disturbing the guests,” Now, he said this with a smile playing on his lips. Toyin looked confused, like someone who was unsure whether if he should take the man’s words to heart or hand him a piece of his rage. He cut my thoughts into pieces with his next statement.

“Who knows the future? But I know that Nigeria has a future. I can understand your pain and frustration with the system. But this country will always be your fatherland... or motherland,” he smiled again.

“Eh, may I know your name sir,” Toyin asked. His face suddenly looked familiar. Again, he smiled, this time like a father who, two minutes ago, just met his prodigal son.

“I won’t tell you my name since you might want to interview me further. But just call me Otunba,” That made me laugh. Yeah, right.

“Nice to meet you, sir, em, Otunba...sir,” In turn, we both shook his hands and sat down. Just then, one pretty hotel attendant walked up to him.

“Your luggage will be down in a few minutes, sir,” she said.

“Thank you, Juliana,” he replied her. Then, the impression clicked. I must have seen him on TV... or met him at a function.

“I understand there are millions of disillusioned youths all over Nigeria,” he continued when the attendant left.

“Sorry Otunba, with due respect, I am simply angry at the system,” Toyin said politely.

“But of course, that is expected, with the poor leadership the country has suffered over the years. Despite the current situation now, please don’t give up on Nigeria. You don’t have to live this life complaining about Naija all the time, because if you’re the complaining type, there is a lot to complain about,” he said.

“Of course sir, with all the corruption and many other problems that...” Toyin was cut short by his laughter.

“There is a lot you can do by way of constructive participation. That’s why I’m saying what your generation and all of us need do now is to look into the future and ask ourselves, what is the future of this country, what can I do to make Nigeria better? The future of this country depends on the younger generation whom we must nurture,” He noted.

I thought I heard uh uh from the middle aged man who covered his face with a newspaper at the other end.

“But where is the environment, Otunba?” I asked. “So how can Nigerians constructively participate, when we all know that it is a broken record to say that the Nigerian system has failed to empower the youths. Our educational institutions have crumbled. There are not enough jobs for graduates,” I argued.

“I agree, shame on our leaders. But, this is your time. Don’t let them push you to the wall. Push back, with the force of your intellect and character. Yes, the so called leaders have failed. Yes, the past generation may have failed to build the right structures for the present. But please don’t you fail the next generations after you. If there are fifty million disillusioned youths and you can find one hundred willing ‘change’ agents, that’s good enough to affect the country’s future for the better. Be a significant part of the one hundred. Do something. By developing your character and skills, the force of you would be a ripple effect that will affect millions out there,”

This man must be on drugs or he really knows what he is saying.

“The older generation (of Nigerians) may have lost the 20th century. We must not allow the younger generation to lose the 21st century. This is your chance, our chance of redemption. Nigeria is in your hands. Release it to the Potter and let him show you how to be involved in recreating a new Nigeria that you, us and our children’s children can be proud of,” he continued.

“Maybe we should just all pray, I think, Nigeria needs deliverance,” Toyin said.

“But of course. And you, my young man, can be one of the deliverance ministers,” Toyin looked at me quizzically. Otunba laughed.

“What I mean is, your generation has a great opportunity of rethinking Nigeria’s future today. Don’t give up on Nigeria. Sometimes life begins at fifty, you know,” he said, smiling.

CONVERSATIONS:THE MILES BETWEEN BEING STRESSED AND STRETCHED

In the rush of the day’s work, In the rush of the day, I missed eight phone calls. At 10pm, after filing out from the beats of the Lagos hustle and flow – my workstation can always pay for a remix - I was rescued by the still of the night to return three; one, to my old boss, and two others, to close friends of mine. The rest I sent text messages; the airtime ran out because the first three calls took thirty minutes. I use an.... mobile line.... I refuse the temptation to use my Facebook note to give free advertisement to any network. They have taken enough of my airtime. Anyways, I will return the other calls tomorrow. I wish Steve Jobs will create an application called Flashercatch. That way, one would be able to tell when someone was actually calling or flashing (Naija-speak). Just then my phone rang.

“Hi boyfriend? I have been trying to reach you for like, forever, hey?” The number was an unknown one. But even on drugs, I would spot out that voice from among a thousand similar ones. “Hi girlfriend, why is your number hidden?” I asked. Laide always called me from her phone.

“Oh, sorry!” She hung up. I was about dialling sleep when my phone rang again. It was Laide calling. Well, she seems to have fixed the network problem.

“Sorry, I guess my niece mistakenly edited my call settings earlier when I loaned her my phone,” she said.

“No probs,” I replied.

“But why have you not been picking my calls?”

“My apologies. I’ve had a breeze of a day and I’m still trying to catch my breath,”

“Hmmn, that’s my poet speaking.”

“And that’s my phonetic diva speaking,” I replied. We both laughed. Laide had a complicated accent. She could do American today and tomorrow she goes all British or both at the same time. It must be the effect of frequent transatlantic flights.

“So, how was your day?” I asked

“Stressful. This job’s a bitch,” she replied.

“So what happened to the big fat accounts, exclusive dinners at five star hotels and the juicy contracts?” I asked. Laide works in a bank. But her passion resides in fashion designing.

“Banking was just an escape route for me. If I had to choose, I wouldn’t work as an accountant,”

“But, it tallies with your course of study,” I queried.

“Yes, but I’m not fulfilled anymore here. By the way it’s too stressful and becoming boring with each passing day, or is it just me?”

“No, dearie. Maybe you need a change of location or you’ve been hit by the Big Real,” I said.
“What?”

“The Big Realization,” I answered. “Where your true passion lies. After all, Stretch is always better than Stress,” I said.

“How do you mean?”

“Stretch is a better word than stress, because when you're stretched, you don't remain the same, cos then you work in tune with time and have access to a pool of unlimited creativity to maximise your potentials. But when you're stressed, you work to burn out time with less creativity that might limit the harness of your potentials. A stressful job always demands more from you than you could give. A Stretchful job is also demanding, but it helps you realise that you could actually do more than you think and so builds your capacity to grow. How much does your job do for you? Does it stretch or stress you?”

“Hmmn,” she replied. I could feel her ears stretching through the earpiece.

“Find your passion and work it out into a career or get a job that suits your passion. However, if you still want to stay in your present job despite it not being in your line of passion, then you must learn the art of reverse application – applying your passion into any job, whether you like it or not. That means you must find new ways of doing the same thing, so that normal routine will become more exciting again. In that way, you get the best out of any ‘stressful’ job. Doing the same thing over and over again is never fun. But hey, there’s always a ring out of routines, you know?”

“Hmmn. Yummy. Your words feel like chocolate to my senses. Where did you get that from, baby boy?” She said with a wink. I could feel it through the earpiece.

“My father,” I replied.

“Should have known. By the way, how come I’ve never met your father?”

“You never said ‘yes’,” I chuckled.

Laide laughed. “But then, I was not ready and by the way....”

The silence triggered laughter from both ends. We both understood this scenario; this road has widely been travelled. We were history together. The end was scripted years ago.

“There was a time I would have given the world for you,” I brought out a lid to close the reminiscences.

“Darling, I had a lot of issues then. I was confused and then my heart was not big enough to contain you then,” she said exasperatedly.

“Okay, I know. But you know I could have requested for an expansion from the Big G, if you allowed me to,” I teased further.

“Whatever,” she said with a tone of resignation and that American drawl. I replied in kind. That thawed the building ice.

“That doesn’t mean I cannot go the whole nine yards for you,” I said.

“Of course, I know, sweet!” she laughed “You, my poet, will always have a special place in my heart,”

“Yeah, thanks,”

“You too, thanks for sharing. You have done my world a whole lot of good. I’m inspired to reinvent myself and my career. Whoa!”

“Glad to hear that. Stay inspired, girlfriend,”

“Sure, boyfriend!” Laide laughed heartily. “Do give my love to Edna,”

“Yeah, sure,” Afterwards, I talked her into making me an outfit. Laide: banker at day, fashion designer by night. I smiled.

(c) ARUKAINO UMUKORO

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.