The continent of Africa and beyond were treated to unending dramas, thrills and frills beyond the lush green, beautiful and aesthetically attractive football pitches in Fez, Marakkesh, Casablanca and Rabat.
It was three weeks of exciting football, with sweat, tears and blood. From the beginning of the African elite football championship, some pundits sat still on the edge of their seats salivating about the birth of a dark horse that would upturn the traditional apple carte.
Some others, were quick to tip the traditional powerhouses to maintain their status as leaders of African football.
And expectedly, the waves of enthusiasm billowing across the continent, was not for Nigerians, who remained disenchanted with their senior male national team.
For a team that missed consecutive World Cup finals, what hopes are left in them? That was the feeling amongst the football fans.
The first three games played and won by the Super Eagles, were uninspiring. And when they mauled Mozambique 4-0 in the rounds of 16, with very convincing display, the narratives expectedly, changed and it came with a new song in the mouths of the fans.
Another impressive display in the 2-0 win against big guns Algeria, made the administrators, stakeholders and corporate bodies waxing lyrical about this Super Eagles team, as the best since 1996.
Even when they lost in the semi-finals to host Morocco on penalties, the newly-found fervour and love for the team did not mellow.
And for the ninth time, the Super Eagles picked the bronze medals, defeating AFCON record winners Egypt on penalties.
All these, including the perennial protests and boycotts of training by the Super Eagles in the middle of a championship came up, once again. Good that the leadership of the NSC and NFF were quick to quash the issue, it obviously was a show of shame.
The most melodious tune of the reggae vibes during the championship, was the timely payment of outstanding salaries and allowances of coach Eric Chelle. And that saved Nigerians from listening to a new, but cacophonic music.
The stakeholders, investors and enthusiasts of the game are now desirous of hearing a new music. They want the heart-warming, soothing, inspiring and sweet blues.
And yes, they are not ready to forget in a rush, the impressive displays, tactical discipline and mental strength of the Super Eagles in Morocco.
The Nigerian people crave and pray for policies consistency, that would see Eric Chelle given an extended contract; they want the NSC to continue to show high levels of commitment and patriotism to the cause of developing sports in Nigeria, while maintaining a smooth running synergy with the NFF and of course, other sport federations.
By Akeem Busari
