I remember the football match between Nigeria and
Brazil in Atlanta 1996. Brazil was the king of global
football and they knew it. So, Nigeria losing to Brazil
that night would not be a big deal. Gosh! Brazil dealt
with us that night. Till around 77th minutes (about 12
minutes to the end of the game) Brazil was obviously
dominating the game. The score line was Brazil 3,
Nigeria 1.
Despite the Brazil squad including star names such as
Carlos, Rivaldo, Bebeto and Ronaldo, Nigerians
watching the game still think Nigeria did not deserve
such humiliation by Brazil boys, we had been beaten
mercilessly. Nigerians became angry toward the end of
the match; many had turned off their Television sets,
some were shedding tears. While few hoped and
prayed that we would not be further disgraced with
yet another goal.
But the unimaginable happened in the game. At about
78th minutes Victor Ikepba stroked from 20 meters to
score the second goal, everything change beyond the
3:2 score line. Pressure came upon Brazil. And hope
for the Nigeria players, they became more motivated
and began to fire shots from every angle.
Then another miracle, at the 90th minute, just before
the final whistle, Kanu Nwankwo turned and flipped the
ball over Dida and it was another goal, the equalizer.
What a wonderful match. And there was a rule then,
“the Golden Goal”. That the first to score in the extra
time wins the game. Then came the decisive goal from
Papilo in just 3 minutes of the extra time… And that
was how the messy game became a message.
Of a truth, we are in the 9th month which is about
75% of 2016 but it is not over yet. A lot can still be
done this year to make it a glorious year, the
remaining 25% is sufficient to define the whole year.
Don't loose hope now. It is too early to give up on
your beautiful expectations for this year. It is not over
until it is over. Wipe off the tears and buckle your
shoes.
1. Review
2. Restrategize
3. Relaunch....
Our God is too faithful to fail. We will celebrate in
Jesus Name, AMEN!