AFCON 2013 And Broadcast Crisis

The news that football fans in
Nigeria may not watch the live telecast of the on-going Africa Cup of Nations
competition tagged, AFCON 2013, which kicked off last weekend in South Africa
is disturbing.

The development becomes even more worrisome when considered
against the backdrop  that Nigerian
football enthusiasts are full of high expectation and the desire to see the new
breed national team, The Super Eagles, display talent and re-build the
reputation of Nigerian football.

Nigerian’s hope for this year’s game was also increased when
the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in partnership with some private sector
operators rallied support for the Super Eagles.

In fact, they got some fans to sign a giant jersey of the
Super Eagles, the size of which is about the biggest ever on show in the world.
Such events clearly attract and ensures support for the national team.

This also prepares Nigerians to stay glued to their
television sets to watch live their darling team at the Africa’s biggest
football competition in far away South Africa. But this is not to be.

For the first time since the commencement of the Nations Cup,
Nigerians will not be watching matches live because of the decision by the
Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) which tries to put an end to what it
perceived as swindling.

The Tide is in absolute agreement with the Broadcasting Organisation
of Nigeria (BON) in its decision to query and reject the imposed broadcasting
fees and asking for a downward review.

The organisers of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) cannot
bill Nigeria more for no reason.  Nigeria
cannot pay $6 million (US dollars), while other countries with even higher GDP
were asked to pay $2 million (US dollars).

While many sports loving Nigerians may find it difficult to
understand, because even when Nigerians did not play in 1996 and in 2012 when
Nigeria did not qualify they got TV right. But all Nigerians must stand behind
BON because enough is enough.

We think that in the spirit of accountability and probity,
Nigerians cannot continue to spend money without considering the
appropriateness of such expenditure. Other nations cannot continue to rip-off
Nigeria because of the willingness of some people to “kill and divide”.

We, therefore, enjoin Nigerians to endure the situation as it
will bring to an end an era of fraud on that subject and portray our country as
a serious-minded and responsible country. This is a national sacrifice worth
making.

 Fortunately, the
results will be heard and some cable stations are relaying the matches live.
But our major concern for now should be for every Nigerian to pray for the
Super Eagles to bring the cup home.

All things being equal, the organisers may have to count
their losses because of the refusal of the country to be ripped-off as usual.
Indeed, Nigeria should insist on its terms even with regards to advert rights
for local firms that have often supported the development of sports in Nigeria
in subsequent games.

We believe that the team has prepared well. They have been
rebuilding over the past 15 months, which has been done well by the coaches, in
ways that deserve support from every Nigeria.

All we ask now is for all to support and pray for the team.
We hope that the Super Eagles will go all the way. Go Super Eagles go.