By Paul Bassey, in South Africa
The other day I was telling you about the world cup I went to cover in Italy in 1990 without any strings attached. I told you how without Nigeria participating, we switched allegiance to Cameroun, and proudly too.

Eagles

In 2006, Germany, again the Super Eagles did not qualify and we bemoaned our fate. At OSMI, (rights holders of the world cup) we wondered whether Nigerians will have interest in the competition that will warrant sponsorship and patronage.

Chief executive of OSMI Mr. Rotimi Pedro can confirm that it was one sweet story as Nigerians adopted Brazil, Italy, France, England…..and enjoyed themselves no end. No anxiety,No heart attack, no death.

This I believe is the story of South Africa as spectators continue to throng the stadium to the amazement of FIFA, who had nursed the fear that should the Bafana Bafana exit, the stands will be left empty.

Over 50,000 spectators are reported to have stormed Soccer City to watch the Argentina and Mexico classic that ended advantage Argentina. The same story was repeated in Bloemfontein when Germany took on England in another block buster of a match.

As the competition draws to its conclusion, we can expect more people  coming out even as we are seeing mouth watering pairings on the cards. Tell me, who, who will not want to watch the quarter final match pitching Argentina against Germany? That will certainly be one cracker that will bring the roof down in expected fireworks.

In summary, whether the Eagles want to be part of the party or not, the beat goes on. This is the scenario that was created at the Metropolitan Hotel in Calabar on Sunday when I ran into Senator Florence Ita-Giwa ( yes the same Mama Bakassi ) As part of her social contribution to the youths of her constituency, she set up a viewing centre and was physically present to officially open it on June 12 when Nigeria took on Argentina.

So, how many Nigeria matches has she watched  since then? “Me. Watch Nigeria? I cannot be bothered. The Super Eagles I think is the only Nigeria project I do not believe in.

“ I pity those who invest their time and emotions in the Super Eagles. I am indifferent. I am a naturally optimistic person but when it comes to the football team I have no hope and this will remain so until we decide to allow the correct and right people take charge, on and off the field”

To say I was a bit shocked is to state the obvious.Monday, Lagos I am at the Jibowu branch of First Bank, standing before Bunmi Akiode, Head, Branch Operations who decides to fast track my transactions because I am Paul Bassey. Initially he blames me for hyping a group that had nothing to offer. He then delivers the upper cut.

“ Mr. Bassey let me tell you, I felt the ouster of England more than the defeat of Nigeria and this is a fact. When we lost, I could not be bothered because I did not expect anything from them given the way we prepared for the world cup”