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Nigeria: Emotion As Abuja Crowd Greet Kanu, Lawal, Westerhof
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Vanguard (Lagos)
27 March 2008
Posted to the web 27 March 2008
Onochie Anibeze
It was quite a scene at the Abuja Stadiunm yesterday. The crowd cheered the Olympic team but appeared emotional in celebrating those who made history for Nigeria.
The Nigerians have not forgotten those who served the country meritoriously and some of the ex internationals who came to support the Eagles must have left the stadium proud of their service to the country even if those in authority refuse to recognise them.
Garba Lawal was cheered to his seat. After few minutes of waiting for the game, the crowd felt he was not visible enough and yelled for him to stand for recognition. He did, waving to the crowd and thunderous ovation followed.
He was part of the history in the Atlanta Olympics, the first time an African country was winning the soccer gold. The crowd also cheered Emmanuel Babayaro who was in the team. Karibe Ojikwe was not part of the Atlanta story but he was at the stadium yesterday. Dahiru Sadi and Yisa Sofoluwe were recognised too.
The stadium went agog when NFA's spokeman Demola Olajire announced the arrival of Victor Ikpeba. The once king of Monaco wore a dreadlock and the crowd really cheered him, insisting that he makes himself visible too for them to appreciate his presence. It was wild when Kanu Nwankwo joined them and even when he went to the dressing room at half time to talk to the players who appeared inspired by his presence and address.
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"I had to do it for them. In our time, nobody did it for us. I had to come here to motivate them, wish them well and hope that they do well in the Olympics and win the way we did. I felt satisfied doing this," Kanu said, smiling at the VIP while the game was on.
"I think that they have a good team but they still have a lot of work to do," he said."Nigeria played better but they need to do something about their mobility," Emma Babayaro, a great goal keeper in his time said.
Clemens Westerhof was at the stadium too and came out to wave to the crowd. They cheered and cheered the Dutchman who qualified Nigeria for their first World Cup and developed the game in Nigeria
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