DO YOU REMEMBER THE HISTORIC FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN NIGERIA AND BRAZIL IN ATLANTA 1996

Do you remember the historic football match between Nigeria and Brazil in Atlanta 1996.

General Sani Abacha was the president of Nigeria, Jo. Bonfere was the Chief Coach of the dream team, Nwankwo Kanu fully on ground as the Captain of the team etc.

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 towards 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 changed beyond the 3:2 score line. Pressure came upon Brazil players 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.

There was a rule then, “the Golden Goal. That the first team to score in the extra time wins the game.

Then came the decisive goal from Papilo in just 3 minutes into the extra time… And that was how the messy game became a message.

A lot can still be done this year to make it a glorious year, the remaining part of the year is sufficient to define the whole year.

 Don't lose hope now, never give up, for It is too early to give up on your beautiful expectations for this year. It is not over yet..

©️ Kizito Santus