Pius Nsabe
In a season marked by social divisions and political polarization, two glorious moments in Nigerian sports offered a rare and refreshing reminder of what it means to be truly united. The Super Falcons’ thrilling performance in the Women’s WAFCON and the D’Tigress’ historic fifth consecutive Afrobasket title did more than put Nigeria on the global basketball and football map — they rekindled a national spirit that transcended the usual lines of religion, ethnicity, and regional affiliation.
At a time when the national psyche has been tested by divisive rhetoric and tribal sentiments, these women became the glue, stitching together a country often torn at the seams. Their goals were not just counted on the scoreboard, they were also tallied in the hearts of millions who, even if momentarily, put aside their differences to celebrate a shared identity — Nigerian.
When Esther Okoronkwo stepped up to take the penalty kick, a hushed silence swept across households and viewing centers from Onitsha to Osogbo, Kano to Calabar. And when she slotted the ball confidently into the net, a thunderous cheer erupted — not as Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or Ijaw — but as Nigerians.
Moments later, when Folashade Ijamilusi netted the second goal, it was the same story. You didn’t need to be from her region to leap for joy. The reaction was national. And then came Jennifer Echegini with the third goal, which sealed the game. Those final strikes were not Southeast, Southwest goals, or a goal for Christians or Muslims — they were Nigeria’s goals.
This nationalistic euphoria wasn’t just a metaphor. It was real, visceral, and deeply emotional. In an age where ethnic profiling and identity politics have become unfortunate tools of division, the Super Falcons reminded Nigerians that unity is not just possible — it is deeply desired.
If the Super Falcons sparked national unity through football, the D’Tigress cemented it with their relentless dominance in basketball. Their fifth consecutive Afrobasket championship, secured with a triumphant win over Mali in Abidjan, was not just another trophy on the shelf. It was a symbol of excellence, resilience, and collective will.
Led by Rena Wakama — the first female coach to win the title in Afrobasket history — the team exemplified the power of Nigerian women to lead, inspire, and deliver at the highest level. Their victories were not just against opposing teams, but against doubt, underinvestment, and the long-standing marginalization of women’s sports.
As the final buzzer sounded and the players raised their hands in victory, social media exploded with messages of pride and celebration. No one cared about what state the players came from or which language they spoke. All that mattered was that these were Nigerian daughters, lifting the national flag and the collective spirit of the people.
The triumphs of both teams carry lessons that reach far beyond the sporting arena. At the most basic level, they demonstrate the power of meritocracy. These players were selected not because of their religion or state of origin, but because of their talent, discipline, and commitment. In a country often plagued by nepotism and sectionalism, this merit-based selection proved how excellence can flourish when the playing field is level.
More profoundly, these victories offer a template for national development. They show what is possible when Nigerians work together toward a common goal. The coordination, teamwork, and mutual respect displayed on the pitch and court are the same values needed in politics, education, healthcare, and governance.
The sportswomen didn’t just win; they collaborated, trusted one another, and fought as a team. Imagine if every sector of Nigerian society adopted this ethos — how different the nation could be.
For decades, sports have provided some of the few truly unifying experiences in Nigeria. From the golden generation of the 1994 Super Eagles to Chioma Ajunwa’s Olympic heroics in 1996, from the U-17 World Cup triumphs to Anthony Joshua’s boxing conquests, Nigerians always come together to celebrate sporting success.
But what makes the recent victories of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress particularly significant is the socio-political climate in which they occurred. They triumphed at a time when ethnic tensions were high, when religious intolerance was festering, and when politicians were accused of stoking division for electoral gain.
Against this backdrop, their success stories served as a balm, a reminder that a nation divided can still find moments of unity, pride, and shared identity.
At the same period that Nigerians were basking in the glory of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress, a controversy broke out over the renaming of streets in Lagos based on ethnic affiliations. It was a stark contrast — while the athletes were building bridges, some politicians were erecting walls.
However, even this contradiction revealed a silver lining: many of the loudest voices condemning the ethnically divisive acts were from the same ethnic group as those proposing them. Yoruba leaders, commentators, and everyday citizens rose to reject what they saw as an attempt to undermine national unity. This, too, was a victory — a quieter, subtler one — but a victory nonetheless.
It showed that Nigerians are increasingly aware, increasingly engaged, and increasingly intolerant of the old tactics of division. It showed that unity is not just a hope, but a growing expectation.
There’s another element that deserves mention — the fact that women delivered these victories. In a society where women still face systemic discrimination, the performances of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress are both inspirational and instructive.
They have become role models not just for young girls dreaming of athletic glory, but for all Nigerians striving to break barriers and defy stereotypes. Their success makes a powerful case for gender equality and women’s empowerment, reminding us that when women succeed, the whole nation thrives.
Celebrating these victories is important. But it is not enough. The unity we felt during those matches must be nurtured, institutionalized, and translated into real change. The passion we showed must evolve into political will and social consciousness.
We must invest more in sports development, especially at the grassroots level. We must reject tribalism, nepotism, and religious bigotry not just in our speeches, but in our actions. We must support and protect our athletes, especially those who use their platforms to speak truth to power.
In many ways, Dadiyata’s case — the abducted activist still missing after six years — serves as a counterpoint to these victories. While our athletes make us proud on the global stage, truth-tellers like Dadiyata are made to disappear without a trace.
We must insist that our country be a place where both athletes and activists are celebrated, not silenced.
As the Super Falcons and D’Tigress return home with trophies in hand and pride in their hearts, they also carry something greater — a message to every Nigerian:
We are better together. Stronger united. Unstoppable when we see ourselves not as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, or Efik — but as Nigerians.
So let the goals scored by Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi, Echegini, and other members of the squad leading to that final game be remembered not just as football highlights, but as historical moments when the whole country roared as one. Let D’Tigress’ golden run not just earn headlines, but plant seeds of unity in the minds of our youth. Let their victories be the beginning of a new national ethos — one that prizes excellence over ethnicity, teamwork over tribalism, and patriotism over parochialism.
Congratulations, once again, to our Champions — The Super Falcons and The D’Tigress. You didn’t just win games. You won hearts. You reminded us of who we truly are — and who we can still become.