Recently, as we could observe our country, Nigeria failed to qualify
for 2026 World Cup, following their loss to DR Congo. Some reasons may
have been adduced for not meeting the African quota for the highly revered
competition .
One obvious fact that most times appeared to have been
undermined is the professionals based abroad: how they are picked for the
competitions, what position are they playing, who and who make them to
shine on their positions, incentives, medical treatment guarantee,
physiological state of mind, supporters/ behavior etc.
Before I take up the discourse, recall that the last club world cup that
was hosted by United States of America, little know club from South Africa,
Sundowns surprised everyone in that competition. Although they did not
win the cup, they won the hearts of Africa continent .
Ask yourselves, how
were they able to achieve such a feat?
Actually, properly experienced professional footballers are usually
invited for the world cup and other selected competition ,without taking
into consideration some of the issues outlined above .
A player that is
known for particular position, may not easily adjust to different one and be
able to deliver as expected .
Also, that a player is performing well in his club abroad, is not
necessarily the reason that he should be given automatic invitation,
without first considering coordination with his other club members, and
who feeds him to score goals regularly. What we observe is bundle of
talents that play individualistic football.
Remember that in oversees discipline and ability to adhere to coach
general and specific instructions, and directives are always adhered to;
failure which appropriate disciplinary action could be meted out.
You may
not even know, most players may even earn more than their couches but
they still comply to guiding rules and regulations.
When we talk of coordination, it mean well organized plan of action
that aims on achieving a set target or purpose. It could even be to hold the
opponent and possibly thwart there arsenal while playing with clear confidence .
it is this proper coordination that could invariably result to
opportunities for scoring .Nowadays, football competitions are no longer
based on luck totally, as served games are even known on what could be
the outcome.
What can you tell me that a team missed twelve (12) chances
of scoring and eventually they lost by a goal scored by opponent.
On the psyche of the players, sports psychologist should note
properly, individual psychology first, before working on them as a team.
What is the state of mind of each player, Personal ego, Family, Unresolved
matters and engagements? Work on them to deemphasize most of these,
while in the competition arena.
Issues like: why do you like to play for Nigeria putting on the Jessy
colour?
How do you feel hearing our national anthem, in another continent,
simply because you are one of the players lined up for a competition?
Supporters (fans) in a competition are crucial you will understand
this better when clubs are made to compete in a stadium without any
supporter/fan.
This usually occurs as punishment and results of such
competitions are recorded and scored.
A veteran sports commentator and
broadcaster, Richard Asegbn said “when you cheer a team before a goal is
scored you is acting on motivating potentials; but when you cheer after a
goal is scored you acting on an impulse. Sundowns of south Africa
supporters at USA competition displayed good conduct throughout their
stay there.
Incentives for footballers are to be discussed are properly
categorized for each competition, and as soon as game is over they should
be paid.
Unpaid wages to players has lasting detrimental effects on the
team and individuals’ psyche.
Football administrators are to kindly add these to the strategies in
place, for improving future performance, in round leather game of football
in the country.
Christian .C. Ibeaka
Consultant psychologist
Consume & resolve consultant
Writes from Enugu.