Monday, January 23, 2006

Battles of old

Nigeria vs Ghana is one of the premier grudge matches of world football. The games always promise fireworks whenever they play, like Nigeria’s 3-0 humiliation if Ghana the last time the met at this competition. Ghana, the past masters of the 50s and 60s trying to reassert their authority over the new princes of the modern era, Nigeria. So it was a wonder when both West African teams succumbed to a most European of diseases, assertive defences. The Ghanaian defence wouldn't budge and at a point in time, all the players except the Nigerian goalie were in Ghana's half. Chances mainly came from long distance shots, and the only clear cut chance was saved by Enyeama. Taiye Taiwo, Taiye Taiwo - I say it twice, just in case you deign to forget it.

We interrupt this announcement for an important newsreel. As I was writing the Taiwo sentence, two men from the local organising committee told a South African journalist beside me to cover up his builder's bum! There are corruptible young women in hijabs in the press centre, and the last thing the need some white South African man's bum crack staring at them. I suppose the men represent some kind of CVPVP of the Egyptian government. To be honest I'm not a big fan of builder's bums, but having the exposure of buttocks policed? If people in Egypt want to see a builder's bum and all the Egyptian builders' bums are strapped in chasitty belts, they can go online and visit Africanshirts. I hope I don't get kicked out of the ocuntry for this... So what right am I fighting for exactly? I dunno, you guys should suggest some.

Back to the game. I'm distracted now, and can't be bothered to talk about the game. I'll say this though, Nigeria deserved to win, just. I was chatting with Efan Ekoku, who's here with the Beeb. Funny thing is, as I was talking to him, I was reading a report on Footballunlimited which said he was a rubbish pundit (in jest, I think). I was very tempted to show it to him and say, "look, they say you're rubbish. Ha ha!" But I wasn't sure if he'd have seen the funny side of it.

2 comments:

Monef said...

All I can say about that match is ...RESULT! I also want to take this opportunity to let you know that I read your blog on a regular basis and find it very interesting and extremely well-informed. You are a talented and charismatic writer. Keep up the good work!

Nneka's World said...

Ha! builder's bum, Too funny!
Anyways, it sounds like your having a blast there in port said. Please keep us posted.