WITH the official dates for the remaining Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers confirmed by FIFA, the world football governing body, the Glass House in Abuja should put its acts together, at least for once.
My fear, however, is the month of March when two of the crucial matches would take place.
The month of March generally is regarded as an unfortunate month to embark on serious missions like the World Cup qualifier.
The ides of March is a reference to March 15th on the calendar. It is associated with bad luck and misfortune because it’s the day Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE. The phrase” Ides of March” is often used to warn people of impending doom. The Ides of March was a day of major religious observances. It was also the deadline for settling debts and rents. When heroes in movies, books and television shows are faced with the Ides of March, it is always a bad omen.
To many, the middle or Ides of the month is considered an unlucky date for people who believe in superstitions. Other unfortunate incidents over the years have helped cement that month as unlucky, forever placing it as a month of misfortune.
Beyond its literal meaning as a calendar date, the Ides of March has taken a symbolic overtones of fate and the limits of tragedy.
The issue surrounding the Ides of March took place in Rome several centuries ago but this is Nigeria in 2025. It is a country where anything can happen. It is a country of fire brigade approach. It suits both the actors and the officials but there is a warning from this side of the city, beware the Ides of March as the World Cup qualifier approaches.
First and foremost, it is imperative that the Nigeria Football Federation and the handlers of the Super Eagles must be on the same page to be able to mount any serious challenge in a group where they are placed 5th in a group of 6 teams.
One of the things that must be done is who and who should be invited for these make or Mar matches The new gaffer, Eric Sekou Chelle should be allowed to do his job without undue interference from any quarter. I was shocked some few weeks ago when an Agent told me in Asaba that he has five players in the Super Eagles. That has been the trade mark in virtually all the teams in Nigeria. Agents through some dubious officials played this devilish role to the detriment of those who sees football as the only thing that brings joy to them. The EFCC should closely monitor this issue of imposing players on the handlers and with 85 million Naira as salary per month Coach Chelle should not allow this unscrupulous element to thwart his effort of qualifying the Eagles for the mundial.
A second look at the form of Super Eagles players in their various clubs will send shivers down.
First is Kelechhi Ihenacho who derives joy in selling Jersey to his team mates than playing football. Today, his club, Sevilla has dumped him and shipped him to a less fancied championship level, Middlesbrough in England. For the past four years or there about Iheanacho has never played 50 minutes in a match but he would be the first to be invited and when he comes, not contended with his earnings in his club, begins to sell jerseys and boots.
Next is goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who was in goal in the last match played in Uyo. He is presently engulfed in a betting scandal which may fetch him 4 years ban if found guilty. As a temporary measure, his club, Udinese has suspended him. Do you think he will be in the right frame of mind for the matches? Don’t you think.he has not been using Super Eagles matches as a betting avenue to enrich himself.
The issue of betting has been our greatest undoing in the country. No player can be trusted now. I warned a friend of mine who administers a club in one of the South- South states at the beginning of the season on the implication of acquiring the services of some players. He ignored my advice and his club is battling relegation today. This is a story for the future. Experience they say, is the best teacher. Maduka Okoye should not be invited as he may not be able to give his best. Other key players who may not be in best form.is African Footballer of the year, Lookman Haruna who is down with injury. Will he recover on time to do the needful? What of winger Samuel Chekwueze who is thorn between AC Milan, his club and moving to Turkey where he will get enough playing time.
The question is assuming these players are not fit before next month which is around the corner, have we good replacements from hundreds of players who are everywhere in the world.
Aside the issues of players, the glass house must avoid fire brigade approach and dispatch invitation letters on time with evidence. They should go beyond letters by placing calls to the players to inform them of the letter and the need for them to report one time. The handlers should also monitor the movement of the players from the Airport on arrival and ferry them to the camp. No player should be allowed to spend some days in Ajegunle with the likes of Portable or Davido before coming to the camp neither should they be allowed to visit their villages.
The issue of camp allowances and bonus must be tabled before them now and sorted out. Money should be made available after all, no more payment of subsidy. Once again, NFF, beware the Ides of March.
