Mediocrecitis Poverticulus

Have you ever tried watching a Nigerian premier league match? eg. Lobi stars Vs Heartland. To be honest, its a sorry sight; its usually a spectacle that warrants either scornful laughter or deep sleep...sweet sleep to be precise. The stands are usually empty, the pitch condition is poor, the game-play is boring, the commentators sometimes don't know their onions.

 You hear stuff like "that was a wonderful header from No19, he converted a cross from No2 errrrrrr *long silence* I think No19 is Uche Nduka and No2 should be Amfani Sulaimon". Can you imagine?

 Its really hard watching our local league if you have been exposed to European club football. Beit the Italian Serie A, English premiership, Spanish La Liga, French Ligue 1, German Bundesliga or even the Dutch Eredivise. The quality is high; the team kits are standard, the pitch conditions are decent, camera angles are dynamic, fans are ecstatic, the game play is organised, the stadia are occupied, the commentators are savvy (you can even enjoy the game without watching the screen).

 You hear something like "ooooooooooooooooooh what a blooper, the manager is absolutely furious with the defence...(Second commentator): to be honest Trevor, Chelsea has been on the back foot since the break. (First commentator): defending deep like that could be costly when playing against an attacking side like Arsenal; 50 goals scored in just 20 games, 35 out of those goals were scored on the counter....you can't afford to concede goals like this if you are challenging for honours in the league". Bla bla bla

 I know you might say that these European Leagues have been there for many years even before Vasco Da Gama stumbled on Africa. Oh yes! Say whatever! We all know that these top leagues weren't always top, they started out sloppy but they refused to remain merely functional. They were driven by an innate need to improve and build on previously recorded successes. From dynamic cameras (reverse angle) to computerised officiating to modern kits to goal line technology etc Even the soccer boots are updated from time to time. Jerseys are redesigned every season, rules are amended to suit contemporary times, stadia are expanded, shares are sold, clubs increasingly support charity etc

 The constant improvement in their way of footballing is the reason they remain relevant globally. Its the reason they attract foreign investors, talented players, media houses and fans from all around the globe. As such contribute to their nation's GDP and ultimately their development.

 This is why I am usually puzzled when a government official comes on live TV and blames the poor support of the domestic league on lack of patriotism and a bias for western ideals.

 Rather than engaging in a finger pointing contest, let's be objective and sincere with one another. We are mediocre in this part of the world; not just in football but in virtually every sphere of our lives. Quality and standards are not usually emphasised, its not surprising that we welcome all sorts and "manage" everything, afterall "half loaf is better than none".

 If we are to grow and develop in Economy, Politics, Entertainment, Sport, Education, Science and Technology, infrastructure etc we must develop a bitter distaste for average results and mediocrity. Quality should be our priority, everyone should look to deliver optimum results.

 I strongly believe that a strong sense of value on quality and constant stepping up of our game would put our great nation/us on the road to greatness once again.