South Africans have always loved Nigeria and Nigerian football.
We all rejoiced when Emmanuel Emunike scored the opening goal in your Round of 16 clash against Italy at USA 1994, and we commiserated when Roberto Baggio scored a late equaliser and extra-time winner to send you packing.
That was a painful moment for African football.
Your Group D win over Spain was something to behold. Sunday Oliseh’s rocket of a goal was replayed over and over and over on South African television.
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In recent years, we’ve locked horns over all sorts of things – who’s got the better music, the better food, the better everything. You say we can’t touch your Afrobeats; we say Amapiano runs the continent.
But if we put that aside, we are just two countries that love each other. Cassper Nyovest filled up FNB Stadium, and Burna Boy would have almost done the same had his show not been cancelled.
Today, we just want to let you know how much we love you, Nigeria.
So, for one night, we will fly the Nigerian colours with pride when you play Benin in your crucial World Cup qualifier because you need to win in order to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
So, Oga, go out there and do what you’ve always done best – rise when the continent needs you most. Remind the world why the Super Eagles are giants of Africa, why your green and white inspires millions beyond your borders. Tonight, it’s not just Nigeria on the pitch – it’s all of us, your African brothers and sisters, cheering for you.
Do it for pride, for glory, for Africa… so that Bafana Bafana can go to the World Cup.
Sport
