Yes, but it is not over yet!
I remember the historic football match between Nigeria and Brazil in Atlanta 1996.
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 scoreline 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 toward 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 change beyond the 3:2 scoreline. Pressure came upon Brazil. 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.
And there was a rule then, “the Golden Goal”. That the first to score in the extra time wins the game.
Then came the decisive goal from Papilo in just 3 minutes of the extra time… And that was how the messy game became a message.
Of a truth, today makes it the 182nd day of the 366 days in 2016. About 49.7% of 2016. It is the official end of the 1st half of 2016. Yes, but it is not over yet.
A lot can still be done this year to make it a glorious year, the remaining 50.3% is sufficient to define the whole year. Don’t lose hope now. It is too early to give up on your beautiful expectations for this year. It is not over until it is over. Wipe off the tears and buckle your shoes.
- Review
- Restrategize
- Relaunch.
You will win. Resist the pull of fatigue regardless of the past disappointments, delayed gratification, failures, and broken promises.
Your greatness is my fulfillment.
ATOYEBI Samuel | 30:6:2016
Personal Effectiveness Coach | Statistical Consultant
