Opinion

Fans And Foreign Sports Patronage

Published

15 years ago

August 1, 2011

The craze by most Nigerians to watch foreign football clubs’ matches played on cable television is becoming a cause of worry to most enthusiast and football administrators. What with the empty stadia across the country, low turnout of spectators and fans at various sports centres, venues for local sports meets and competitions? I bet you, so many Nigerians now know more about foreign sports clubs and their players than their own local clubs and players. This is unfortunate!

A situation where Nigerian youths and adults are very ready to reel out the history, names of players of foreign clubs, like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Inter Milan, PSG, Bolton, Bayern Munich, Anderlecht, Manchester City, Lyon, Olympic Marseille, among others, is nothing but foolhardy. Shamefully enough, most of these youths and adults, cannot mention the names of Nigerian local clubs and players therein. They do not even know the names of the national club sides whether male or female!

Fine, some may argue that Nigerians and Africans also ply their trade in these foreign clubs, and therefore, see nothing wrong in having so much interest in the foreign club sides. They may also argue that the quality, level and standard of play displayed by these foreign club sides is very high and attractive. I agree with these arguments. I also agree that these club sides are that high in their performances because of the huge amount of money invested in them as well as the large patronage they receive in terms of spectators and fans.

Can anyone imagine the huge chunk of money spent and realized by these club sides in terms of sign-on fees, sponsorships, marketing rights, television transmission rights, endorsements, gate takings, and other patronages, as compared to our local club sides, which lack all of these incentives, sponsorships and investments? It is staggering!

True, football administration and management need to be greatly improved and taken a notch higher to raise the bar/standard of football in our various competitions. In fact, the National Professional League, the Challenge Cup, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League, West African Football Unity (WAFU) Cup, and the Africa Nations Cup, have not shown the touch of class that has been achieved by English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian, Argentine and other South American and some Asian football club sides. We all reckon with that!

But that does not mean we must focus all our attention on these foreign football club sides at the detriment of our local clubs. They have developed and become strong because of the huge investment put in them by private business moguls, who strive for profit, and must do everything to get out the best in their players through winnings. They also commit to genuine integrated partnerships that work for the players, the club sides and their owners.

If the interest created and sustained in our domestic leagues would go a long way in increasing patronage, attract good private investments and marketing windows, and also improve the quality, style and level of players and the game of football in Nigeria, then, let us reverse the trend. Since there is a glaring co-relation between spectators/fans population, viewer interest and patronage as well as corporate sponsorships, endorsements, marketing rights, advertisement placements, and value of TV rights, then, we must galvanize our energies towards getting all these factors in place as a veritable means of boosting the game in Nigeria.

Of course, the various stadia and football facilities need to be greatly improved, especially since our football pitches are not well maintained as expected. The ambience and aesthetic beauty of the facilities, which contribute in no small measure in making the game attractive to spectators and fans, must be fixed. Even marketing rights of Nigeria’s Challenge Cup or Professional League matches can be issued to both local and foreign television stations so as to help popularize, and expose our domestic league and football players to the world.

Football has become such an international game of first choice that people from across boundaries, religions, languages and colours, are taking increasing delight in watching football matches of club sides, whether in their countries or not. I think that if Nigerian club sides are exposed to global football space, with improved investments, sponsorships, sign-on fees or endorsements, the quality of the game will be enhanced.

You can imagine the huge monies expended in terms of corporate sponsorships, endorsements, among others, by the telecommunications organisations such as MTN, GLO, Airtel, Etisalat, who promote big club sides like Barcelona FC, Manchester United FC, Chelsea FC, and a host of others at the detriment of our domestic club sides and teams, when they operate in Nigeria. Yes! Granted that virtually all these telecommunications companies are international conglomerates, they also have very strong customer base and revenue margin from Nigeria. In fact, most of them have their highest annual revenues from Nigeria. It is, therefore, unfortunate that they forget that those countries such as England, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, will never encourage companies operating within their own vicinity to sponsor or patronize foreign football club sides at the expense of the local ones.

I think the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ministry of Sports and National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Federal Government must urgently seat up and address this matter. Methinks that legislation needs to be put in place to grant incentives to corporate bodies which sponsor sports activities while punishing those who take delight in encouraging capital flight through the sponsorship of foreign club sides or teams.

In fact, a given percentage of local content is required in their sponsorship template, failure of which government should withdraw their licenses. The football administrators and managers must reach out to all these big-time corporate football supporters and sponsors, and enlist their commitment to invest part of their budget for football advertisements to local league sponsorships. They must also show some level of efficiency and transparency in the administration of the game to attract support of corporate bodies in terms of sponsorships.

Now the issue of competence and expertise is very important here. Football administrators in Nigeria must develop their competences and skills in professional and technical football administration, coaching and management. They must know what is necessary, the tactical approaches at all levels of the game, as well as the politics that determine who gets what and who wins at what point. The crises bedeviling football administration and management in Nigeria should be quickly addressed to save the game from total collapse.

Sports administrators should make conscious and deliberate effort at developing football at the grassroots, particularly schools sports. It is not in doubt that Nigerians, especially youths love football. These abundant talents across the country should be harnessed, and put to useful purposes. I think, what is required is for these talents to be nurtured and shaped through grassroots talent hunts, coaching clinics, and mentoring opportunities. Establishment of secured and quality football pitches or fields, distribution of football kits, including balls should be encouraged, because this helps the youths to develop their football talents. It also builds the interest of the entire population in the game of football. There is no doubt that the existence of football academies in Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, and Portugal, has helped these nations in their effort to grow the game to the level they are today.

I believe that to stem the tide in the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria nay Africa football, and arrest the lack of spectators/fans’ enthusiasm and interest in our domestic football games, we need to bring in the brains and best hands to manage and administer the round leather game as practiced all over the world. Square pegs must be put in square holes just as round pegs must be put in round holes. Indeed, the right experts with the technical knowhow, managerial skills and right attitude must be made to manage our football at all levels.

It is interesting to note that football is a money spinner and major foreign exchange earner for many countries. As such government and private sector investments would not be in vain if there are put into football activities in Nigeria. Nigerians are great football lovers, and would justify the huge investments through payment for various services aimed at promoting the game.

If football sponsorship increases, and spectators/fans population rise, obviously, revenue will double.

Coincidentally, the game has the capacity to create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians. It will also promote the unity of the country, and enhance other social and cultural relationships and interactions. Football has the potential to boost tourism, competitiveness, hard-work, industry, economic viability and peace. In fact, football helps to facilitate sustainable development of society. This is why all stakeholders need to act fast to get the game of football back on track in Nigeria.

Ayooso, a public affairs analyst, resides in Port Harcourt.

Samson Ayooso

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

3 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi