Super Eagles need prayers to do well in Abuja and pick a Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket. Before the stadium was renamed in memory of Chief Moshood Abiola on June 12, 2019, it was a monumental national embarrassment.
The Abuja National Stadium was opened officially on April 8, 2003, when Shooting Stars beat Sunshine Stars 1-0. The first goal there was scored by Shakiru Lawal.
The idea was to use the magnificent ground for the Abuja 2003 All Africa Games. Nigeria hosted successfully and emerged winners for the first time.
However, there were regrets. Perennial foes, Cameroon beat the host nation 2-0 in the grand finale of the men’s soccer event. The female team, Falcons won gold even with a second string team. What the Green Eagles achieved at Lagos ’73, could not be replicated in Abuja.
Before that Abuja 2003 loss, there was disaster as construction work progressed in 2002. The Velodrome collapsed, killing three artisans. I do not know if the blood of the dead became the curse of the stadium.
When the Super Eagles played at the stadium for the first time, they were bombed 3-0 by a Ronaldinho inspired Brazil. Many did not know that the Selecao coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira was part of the Eagles technical crew just before the 1980 African Nations Cup.
Parreira came with Otto Gloria but was frustrated by his countryman and the Nigeria Football Association. Seconded to Enugu Rangers for their WAFU Cup finals match with AS Police of Senegal, Parreira’s visa was not processed. He missed the trip, leaving Patrick Ekeji to become coach/player in Dakar.
Enyeama was in goal when Brazil defeated Nigeria 3-0 in Abuja. In 2004, he manned the posts for Enyimba as they defended the CAF Champions League trophy against Etoile of Tunisia in Abuja.
Enyimba had lost the first leg final 2-1 in Tunis. FCT minister Nasir El Rufai promised each of the players a plot of land if they beat the Tunisians 2-0 in the return leg.
Etoile came with three Nigerians, Austine Ejide, Emeka Okpara and Ogochukwu Obiakor. Enyeama scored Enyimba’s first goal through penalty. Muri Ogunbiyi made it two in the second half. El Rufai’s land was there staring at the Elephants.
Then Tunisia struck. The match ended 2-1 against the visitors to bring aggregate scores to 3-3. Enyimba relied on penalties to keep the trophy. They lost El Rufai’s land because the game did not end 2-0.
The players pleaded with El Rufai. He did not listen even after President Olusegun Obasanjo joined in the begging. More painful was that a coach, Raymond Ogosu died in a crash near Abaji on his way to watch the match.
In 2009, Super Eagles could only qualify for the South Africa 2010 World Cup in Nairobi following a 3-2 victory over Kenya’s Harambee Stars. Obafemi Martins’ brace saved the day. Tunisia did not make it after losing 1-0 to Mozambique in Maputo.
The Abuja bad luck began against the Carthage Eagles whose best in Tunis was a 1-1 draw with the Super Eagles. The North Africans scored a last minute goal to earn a 2-2 draw in Nigeria.
When Tunisia based Michael Enaramo scored in the 80th minute to make it 2-1, the Abuja crowd roared back to life. Nabil Taider had cancelled Osaze Odemwingie’s 23rd minute opener two minutes later.
It was also in 2009 that Switzerland won the FIFA Under 17 Championships for the first time. Losers were Golden Eaglets of Nigeria. Kenneth Omeruo and Ogenyi Onazi were in that team. Again Abuja failed Nigeria.
Abba Patrick Moro and David Shikfu Paradang were Interior Minister and Controller General, Nigeria Immigration Service respectively when 10 Nigerians died in a stampede at the Abuja National Stadium. Fifty others were injured.
Poor Nigerians, they had paid money and gone for recruitment. The consultants who oversaw the exercise were more interested in financial gains than fitness and fair play.
When Abuja was chosen as venue for the World Cup decider between Nigeria and Ghana, I was uncomfortable.
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I climbed Aso Rock and became a seer. I came down with messages and President Muhammadu Buhari must bring offering to me.
I am glad he is sorounded by priests. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo knows that offering and tithe can boost a ministry. Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina knows the power in giving.
Buhari murdered the Abuja Stadium demon when he renamed it Moshood Abiola Stadium on June 12, 2019. That was a bold move which made MKO dance in his grave.
Those who do not know, should learn. Abiola spent his money as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to globe trot from South Korea to Canada in search of a befitting model for the Abuja Stadium.
I repeat, Abiola spent his money. I was at the Murtala Mohammed Airport when he arrived from overseas in 1992. Also on that trip were Chiefs Molade Okoya Thomas, Wale Adeosun and Kola Balogun.
The night they arrived, Ogun State governor, Segun Osoba was on his way out of Nigeria. All the big men met at the Murtala Mohammed Airport. I remember, Okoya Thomas’ exact words. “Please help us thank Chief Abiola. He sponsored the entire trip.”
President Buhari should invite one of Abiola’s children to the game. It signifies that MKO is there in spirit and will ward off any negative influence.
Mr. President should grace the match too. His presence will bury the thought that his phone call ruined Eagles at the last African Nations Cup. In sports, Buhari comes out clean. He does not have bad luck, at all.
Buhari does not shy away from prayers. He has been to churches all over Nigeria. Pastor Enoch Adeboye is his friend, so is Pastor William Kumuyi. They should pray for the Super Eagles.
Should there be need for Islamic homily, let Aso Villa invite the Emir of Ilorin. He was a tough defender at Offa Grammar School and Vice chairman of NFA.
