₦airaland Forum

naptu2:
Video cassette recorder (VCR)

We got our very first VCR in 1979. It was a top loading VHS VCR. The video cassette was loaded into the VCR from the top.

I've just remembered something funny. We sometimes banged the top of the VCR when the picture was not clear and it would become clear.

I thought our situation was bad, but I didn't know anything.

I spent my holiday with family friends in Ikeja in 1985 and you needed to see the way that they banged their VCR. In fact, someone suggested that they should take their VCR outside and ride their bikes on it.

Of course I knew how to use methylated spirit and tissue to clean the video head when it was dirty (although we sometimes had video head cleaning cassettes).


The VCR in the first picture looks very much like the type that we bought in 1979, but I can also see some differences (the socket for the remote control is not there). It was a top loading VCR and although we got other more modern VCRs, this one lasted until 1993.


That VCR had a remote control, but it came with a cord that you had to attach to the VCR before it could function.

Here is a picture of that exact type of remote control (second picture).


I made that remote my microphone.

Don't forget the manual and later electronic video cassette reminders.

For audio cassettes, your Bic biro pen was always very useful, especially after you manage to remove tangled tape from the cassette player.

Thanks for the memories!

naptu2:
Hi-Fi

We also had a hi-fi system. It consisted of a record player (with the hook that allows you to stack records), a casette player and an 8 track tape player (cartridge). It also had a radio and I remember that the radio dial was iluminated with green light.

This (the photo below) is not the exact type of hi-fi system, but it is similar. Ours had the same kind of glass cover over the record player and cassette player. I think the 8-track tape player was more central.

There were little shelves at opposite ends of the sitting room and they were for the speakers for the audio system (I assume that it produced better stereo sound in those locations). The telephone was on a similar but lower shelf at another end of the sitting room.

I got to know the meaning of LP, EP, Side A & B and tracks through this.

These carried on to the audio cassettes.

Those coming across the term "track" today may not realise it came from the tracks (circular ridges on the discs.

naptu2:
Video cassette recorder (VCR)

We got our very first VCR in 1979. It was a top loading VHS VCR. The video cassette was loaded into the VCR from the top.

I've just remembered something funny. We sometimes banged the top of the VCR when the picture was not clear and it would become clear.

I thought our situation was bad, but I didn't know anything.

I spent my holiday with family friends in Ikeja in 1985 and you needed to see the way that they banged their VCR. In fact, someone suggested that they should take their VCR outside and ride their bikes on it.

Of course I knew how to use methylated spirit and tissue to clean the video head when it was dirty (although we sometimes had video head cleaning cassettes).


The VCR in the first picture looks very much like the type that we bought in 1979, but I can also see some differences (the socket for the remote control is not there). It was a top loading VCR and although we got other more modern VCRs, this one lasted until 1993.


That VCR had a remote control, but it came with a cord that you had to attach to the VCR before it could function.

Here is a picture of that exact type of remote control (second picture).


I made that remote my microphone.

In the early days of the VCR, our parents used to warn us about taking the cassettes out of the house.

Why?

It was a way thieves knew which houses had VCRs and target!

At a time, musical videos became popular on shows like those hosted by Olisa Adibua on NTA 2 Channel 5 (can't remember the name of the show now).

We would set our video tapes in the VCR machine so we could selectively record the songs we liked live.

We would replay them after.

This was a good way to learn the songs, dance moves, etc.

do4luv14:
Omo see as I dey happy laff and smile at same Time,

Our ladies dey rep, give it to them, I was glad to watch the girls first worldcup outing, day of Florence and Co

According to the documentary, Florence Omagbemi (the first and, only until 2022, AFRICAN female player to win the Africa Women Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach) was fifteen years old at the time.

There were no age grade competitions for African women at the time.

Those who are quick to accuse Nigeria of age-cheating, what say ye?

bobman22:
A recent video has highlighted the remarkable rise of Nigerian women in sports, tracing a journey that spans over 70 years.

From limited participation in the 1950s to achieving Olympic gold and setting world records, the report showcases decades of resilience and excellence. It notes that despite early barriers, Nigerian women have grown into dominant forces on the global stage.

The video also points out that much of this history has only recently gained widespread recognition, sparking renewed appreciation for their contributions to sports.

Watch the full video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHtcuOibwiE?si=a_ydyQlbHYVECWCO

This video deserves to go viral!

The script is clearly well researched, and the use of archival photos and footage really brings the narrative to life.

The presentation is very good, though name pronunciations could have been better.

What stands out most is the perspective it offers.

Standing out for me:

Isn’t it remarkable that our women qualified for their first FIFA World Cup before the men secured an international gold medal in football?

Even more striking , a woman’s Olympic gold came first at Barcelona '92, setting a precedent that a men’s team would follow at Atlanta '96.

It really makes you reflect on what might have been lost along the way, from boycotts of international competitions for political reasons to the migration of some of our brightest talents to other nations.

And yet, through all of this, our women (and men) have continued to rise, breaking barriers and carrying the flag with pride.

They’ve come a long way and have done us proud.

johnie:
I just came across this


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUdu_eWMI4?si=9LpHwHiUKoT_MpFc

"It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell". - William Sherman, Soldier and former Commanding General of the United States Army

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity". - Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States. Five-star General, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II.

Yet another view on military rule, coups and armed conflicts.

This time from Abdul Oroh.

He was a senior journalist and editor in some of Nigeria’s leading newspapers and later led the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) during and after military rule.

He also made some remarks on Murtala.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpwwMdc4CJU?si=4qYAQQpD5AYvJKDq

femi4:
rip fast talker

The 1980s gen are going gradually

Yes.

Fast Talker - That was characteristic of him.

and yes, that gen is going gradually.

They gave their best.

This 2018 article lists the team members.

How many are still alive?
https://thesourceng.com/1980-green-eagles-squad-38-years-after-afcon-success/

Odegbami and Adokiye have done very well to keep memories of that team alive in the public space .

Unityp:
May his soul rest in peace..I remember Maroc 88 final against Cameroon .that fine header that was disallowed..

Definitely not offside! I wonder why it was disallowed.

Nwosu was the smallest, wore no 10 and was probably the most animated Nigerian on the pitch that day.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9ERlpgfRH4

This was a team in transition - Nwosu probably the last man standing from the old guard that included Odegbami, Okalla, Chukwu etc.

Keshi, Yekini, Eguavoen, Okparaji, etc

We appreciate your services to your father land, "School boy."

I know this is about Henry Nwosu but watching this video clip emphasises the fact that we lost Samuel Okparaji too early!

IMPARTIAL:
R.I.P!

62 years. He played for the Eagles in 1980 at the age of 16!

Yes.

Veteran broadcaster, Ernest Okonkwo, used to call him "Schoolboy"

Odegbami called him "Youngest Millionaire"

The Duke!

Great memories!

johnie:
The former Super Falcons safe hands shared the news on her Instagram page on Sunday, expressing immense joy over the development.


Former Nigeria women’s national team goalkeeper, Precious Dede, has announced the birth of quadruplets after many years of waiting for a child.

The former Super Falcons safe hands shared the news on her Instagram page on Sunday, expressing immense joy over the development.

She described welcoming four children at once after years of waiting as “proof that delay is not denial.”

She wrote: “After many years of waiting, God showed up in the most beautiful way — FOUR precious blessings at once. Double the boys, double the girls, quadruple the joy. Our hearts are full beyond words. Years of prayers, tears, and hope… now turned into four miracles. God is faithful. From waiting to overflowing.

“One pregnancy, four heartbeats… endless joy. Proof that delay is not denial. He turned our waiting into wonders. When God writes your story, He makes it beautiful in His time… God didn’t just answer… He overdelivered. Congratulations to my family.”

Dede is one of Africa’s most decorated goalkeepers, having earned more than 90 caps for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team.

She announced her retirement from international football in 2016 after making her final FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2015.

Dede represented Nigeria at four Women’s World Cup tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015), three Olympic Games (2000, 2004 and 2008), and four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014), winning the continental title twice — in 2010 and 2014.

Before retiring from professional football, she played for Delta Queens, Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens in Nigeria, as well as Arna-Bjørnar in Norway.

https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/16/ex-nigeria-goalkeeper-precious-dede-welcomes-quadruplets-after-years-of-waiting/

In a chat with our correspondent on Monday, Dede clarified that she was celebrating her sister.


“The proud mum is my kid sister, Ify, not me. Just clarifying that I am the cool aunt. Thank you very much,” she said.

https://punchng.com/ex-falcons-goalkeeper-dede-rejoices-as-sister-welcomes-quadruplets/?utm_source=rss.punchng.com&utm_medium=web&amp

The former Super Falcons safe hands shared the news on her Instagram page on Sunday, expressing immense joy over the development.


Former Nigeria women’s national team goalkeeper, Precious Dede, has announced the birth of quadruplets after many years of waiting for a child.

The former Super Falcons safe hands shared the news on her Instagram page on Sunday, expressing immense joy over the development.

She described welcoming four children at once after years of waiting as “proof that delay is not denial.”

She wrote: “After many years of waiting, God showed up in the most beautiful way — FOUR precious blessings at once. Double the boys, double the girls, quadruple the joy. Our hearts are full beyond words. Years of prayers, tears, and hope… now turned into four miracles. God is faithful. From waiting to overflowing.

“One pregnancy, four heartbeats… endless joy. Proof that delay is not denial. He turned our waiting into wonders. When God writes your story, He makes it beautiful in His time… God didn’t just answer… He overdelivered. Congratulations to my family.”

Dede is one of Africa’s most decorated goalkeepers, having earned more than 90 caps for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team.

She announced her retirement from international football in 2016 after making her final FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2015.

Dede represented Nigeria at four Women’s World Cup tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015), three Olympic Games (2000, 2004 and 2008), and four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014), winning the continental title twice — in 2010 and 2014.

Before retiring from professional football, she played for Delta Queens, Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens in Nigeria, as well as Arna-Bjørnar in Norway.

https://www.channelstv.com/2026/02/16/ex-nigeria-goalkeeper-precious-dede-welcomes-quadruplets-after-years-of-waiting/

Main fishing competition happens later today.

https://www.nairaland.com/8617918/tinubu-embarks-one-day-visit-kebbi

KingRabota:
Same here
Heardthey only fish in the river once a year, dunno if thats true
Surprised im not seeing pix of the biggest fish caught.
That used to be the highlight , but im impressed that urs waaaay more than just fishing.
A beuatiful cultural diapaly

Very correct.

The highlight used to be the display of the largest catch.

I'm also surprised it's not shown.

Picture below from newspaper report of 2020.

Man with biggest catch got N10m, two cars, Hajj seats.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/381877-argungu-fishing-festival-man-with-biggest-catch-gets-n10m-two-cars-hajj-seats.html

naptu2:
AGF Abdulrazaq was also the first lawyer from northern Nigeria.

Very correct and Important detail.

naptu2:
This is the origin of the photo with Professor Bolaji Akinyemi. A lot of state occasions were held at the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (on Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island) in the 1970s, '80s and early 1990s).





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeEsFIUk1no?si=KbG5YSdG3uEWEpuQ

Interesting.

I've always wondered at what occasion the picture was taken.

This was the inauguration of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

Some notable personalities are in that video.

Prof. was just 33 years old at the time.

Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa - Murtala's ADC stood and looked just like in the photo below, even with the swagger stick.

Chief F.R.A. Williams (QC, SAN) - led the "49 wise men", theConstitution Drafting Committee being inaugurated here and which birthed the 1979 Constitution.

Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Folorunsho (A.G.F.) AbdulRazaq, SAN - Lawyer and father of the current Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and former house of reps member, Khairat Gwadabe

Samuel.G. Ikoku - he defeated his father (Alvan, who appears on the 10 naira note) by 59 votes in an Eastern House of Assembly election in 1957.

Alh Shehu Malami - descendant of Usman dan Fodio, member of the Committee and later Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa

Mallam Aminu Kano - there's so much to say about this man. I dont know where to start. He fought feudalism in the north.

I think the person sitting beside Mallam Aminu Kano is Paul Unongo.

Ikoku and Kano were prominent gadflys.

Kano and Malami were in a way from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

johnie:
Very true. People that long for military rule do not know what they are wishing for.

The case of Major Bamidele comes to mind.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqPPI9DItpI?si=kpSiY2G0WrCePwVS

When the Vatsa coup happened. I was at the NYSC orientation camp.

The soldiers discussed the coup in hushed tones.

I remember the Sergeant (I think he was a Staff Sergeant) in charge of my platoon calling it kabu-kabu, maybe so we the civilians would not understand what they were referring to.

I think they would have been happy to be in the camp at the time of the coup, reducing the likelihood of them getting mixed up in it.

I also remember when the interrogation of Col. Lawan Gwadabe for plotting to oust the Abacha regime was broadcast on NTA.

Tears ran down my eyes as I watched him responding to his interrogator. I had no doubt in my mind that he must have undergone serious torture.

He was not the bold man I had come to love and respect - him, Col Abubakar Umar and Col. Adbulmumuni Aminu who formed what was the "three musketeers" of the Babangida Regime.

I just came across this


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUdu_eWMI4?si=9LpHwHiUKoT_MpFc

"It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell". - William Sherman, Soldier and former Commanding General of the United States Army

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity". - Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States. Five-star General, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II.

This should make a significant impact on traffic management around Maryland, Opebi, Allen, Ojota all the way though Ikosi-Ketu to Ikorodu.

Good one!

Hope work on the VGC Bridge to Freedom Way will resume soon and be completed before the end of the governor's tenure.

Morocco may face ITF sanctions after fans threw water bottles onto the court during a Davis Cup match against Colombia in Casablanca.

🚨 De graves incidents sont survenus après la défaite du Maroc face à la Colombie en Coupe Davis à Casablanca.
Des supporters ont lancé des bouteilles d’eau sur le court, une scène choquante et inédite dans un sport connu pour son fair-play et sa classe.
L’ITF pourrait infliger… pic.twitter.com/qdJrvZFqlM

— KoraMaroc (@AtKoraMaroc) February 8, 2026

Morocco could be facing disciplinary action from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after crowd unrest overshadowed its Davis Cup tie against Colombia in Casablanca over the weekend.

The incident occurred at the conclusion of the match, moments after Colombia sealed victory to progress in the competition. Frustrated home supporters reacted by throwing water bottles onto the clay court, forcing officials and attendants to step in and restore order in scenes rarely associated with the traditionally decorum-driven sport of tennis.

Colombia secured a 3-1 victory over Morocco in the Davis Cup World Group I playoff, with Nicolás Mejía delivering the decisive third point. The match, held in Casablanca, escalated beyond tennis into a tense confrontation, both in the stands and on court.

Footage of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, shows plastic bottles scattered across the court as ball kids and court staff hurriedly removed them under the watchful eyes of players and officials.

Although no injuries were reported, the scenes in Casablanca have placed Morocco’s tennis authorities under scrutiny. An official response from the ITF has yet to be released, but sources suggest that an investigation into the incident is likely.

Morocco’s elimination from the competition has now been overshadowed by the controversy, with the country’s tennis federation expected to issue a statement and cooperate fully with any disciplinary process.

https://www.pulsesports.ng/tennis/story/the-game-recognizes-game-king-carlitos-tennis-world-erupts-as-alcaraz-makes-australian-open-history-2026020112310814240

naptu2:
The Davis Cup is the World Cup of tennis.

Thanks for sharing this Naptu2.

I wasn't aware of this.

Brings back memories of Nduka "the duke" Odizor, in my view Nigeria's best tennis player of all time.

Also, memories of Deacon Ayo Ositelu and Chuka Momah's coverage of tennis on NTA.

Yes, Chuka Momah was more associated with boxing but I think he also discussed Tennis.

I hope we can begin our Tennis resurgence with this.

May 2026 be the year!

naptu2:
That's why I said that people that long for military rule do not know what they are wishing for. Coups are horrible things. Many innocent people are tortured and executed because they are roped into coups. Talking to someone, transfering money to someone, doing everyday things can get you in trouble if the person is accused of planning a coup.

Many innocent people are also killed during active coups.

It's also a terrible thing for soldiers because they don't know who is a friend or a foe.

Very true. People that long for military rule do not know what they are wishing for.

The case of Major Bamidele comes to mind.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqPPI9DItpI?si=kpSiY2G0WrCePwVS

When the Vatsa coup happened. I was at the NYSC orientation camp.

The soldiers discussed the coup in hushed tones.

I remember the Sergeant (I think he was a Staff Sergeant) in charge of my platoon calling it kabu-kabu, maybe so we the civilians would not understand what they were referring to.

I think they would have been happy to be in the camp at the time of the coup, reducing the likelihood of them getting mixed up in it.

I also remember when the interrogation of Col. Lawan Gwadabe for plotting to oust the Abacha regime was broadcast on NTA.

Tears ran down my eyes as I watched him responding to his interrogator. I had no doubt in my mind that he must have undergone serious torture.

He was not the bold man I had come to love and respect - him, Col Abubakar Umar and Col. Adbulmumuni Aminu who formed what was the "three musketeers" of the Babangida Regime.

naptu2:
I originally posted this on January 4th, 2021

We have often seen what happens when popular leaders are killed. It usually leads to violence and many more people end up dead and property is destroyed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmQ-P-cfCY

.

Watching this video, particularly the scene of the then Lagos State military governor, Adekunle Lawal in front of the Shitta Bey mosque on Martins Steet where chants of "Gowon Ole!, Dimka Ole!" can be heard in the background I remember some of the very nasty songs sung about the coup plotters. Some of the songs made references to the coupists' family members.

That impressed greatly upon me such that anytime a failed coup is uncovered, my greatest sympathy go to the families of the coupists.

I was glad that General Christopher Musa, made reference to the military supporting the family members of the alleged coupists in a recent interview he granted on Channels TV.

naptu2:
South Africa did not get its independence in 1990.

South Africa gained self government in 1910 and it became independent in 1934.

However, the minority white population ruled the country and discriminated against the blacks until 1994. One-man-one-vote democracy came in 1994.

Angola and Mozambique gained independence in 1975. However, both countries were in civil wars even before independence.

In both countries there were groups that were supported by most African countries (especially Nigeria), the Soviet Union and Cuba and they were opposed to groups that were supported by the racist government of South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.

South Africa invaded Angola and Nigeria provided money weapons to the Angolan Government.

Africa was the focus of Nigeria's foreign policy under Murtala.

Despite being geographically distant from South Africa, Nigeria was regarded as a key Frontline State who put pressure for the dismantling of Apartheid.

As part of the pressure, Nigeria nationalised British Petroleum (BP) and Shell which were renamed Africa Petroleum (AP) and National Oil respectively.

It was through those activities of Nigeria that I got to know about organisations like SWAPO (Namibia), ANC (SA), Frelimo (Mozambique), ZANU (Rhodesia, later known as Zimbabwe) as well as people like Samora Machel, Sam Nujoma, Robert Mugabe and Nelson Mandela.

naptu2:
They were on Bank Road and got to the junction of Bank Road and Ikoyi Road, but the traffic warden stopped traffic from Bank Road from moving (actually, the traffic warden did not notice their car. There were around 4 or 5 cars between the traffic warden and the limousine)

Thanks for sharing Naptu2.

That traffic warden should have been traced and interviewed by the press by now.

I remember the confusion in my primary school that day.

We had to close and leave for home early.

The memory of the execution of the coup plotters is one that lingered eerily in my very young mind for years.

Just like those from the public execution of armed robbers.

The armed robbery of Boulus Enterprises, arrest, trial and execution of the criminals was one that particularly stuck in my mind. Till today, I recall the names of some of the executed robbers and the pictures from the execution, all I read from Daily Times.

Since then. every time a failed coup was uncovered, these gory scenes played in my mind.

Thank God that public executions had been stopped by the time we had the Orkar and subsequent coups.

To the best of my memory, the failed coup reported last year is the first under a civilian regime.

Would have been quite remarkable.

Unfortunately, NO!

.

Repeated

12 more characters needed

Why no penalty?
Match officials determined that the ball had initially struck Ajayi's thigh before deflecting onto his arm, a crucial distinction under current handball regulations. According to football's laws, when the ball ricochets off another part of a player's body first, it is not a penalty, as the defender has no realistic opportunity to move their arm away. The rule is clear and unambiguous on this point.

However, the decision still proved deeply contentious for Algeria. From certain angles, the contact sequence appeared unclear, leaving Algerian players and supporters unconvinced that the ball had indeed touched Ajayi's thigh first. They remained adamant they had been robbed of a legitimate penalty claim. The absence of a VAR check only intensified their fury, raising questions about why the incident wasn't reviewed to provide clarity on the sequence of contact.

https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/heres-why-algeria-didnt-get-that-penalty-for-handball-against-nigeria-in-afcon-1.500405171

FalseProphet1:
Trump was right that in Springfield they're eating the cats and eating the dogs.

Trump is a prophet.

This I have seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5llMaZ80ErY

2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OteXC0_Y4dk

Ghostagain:
I don't think any USA court of law has the authority to judge a kidnapped foreign leader. If the USA justice system really works well, then maduro will walk free, even the dumbest lawyer can successfully defend maduro on this case.

Trump is an idiot.

You obviously haven't heard of what happened to Manuel Noriega in 1990 and Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Read these:

https://www.axios.com/2026/01/03/trump-venezuela-maduro-panama-noriega

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/3/maduro-joins-iraqs-saddam-panamas-noriega-as-latest-leader-taken-by-us

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/04/politics/noriega-trial-maduro-legal-battle

December 30, 2014