Football, nation building and national pride

While talking to a friend about Ghana's win, I explained to her why I felt so passionately about it. It's like this: It's the first time that I have felt that the place where my family is from, (where the people look like me and I am accepted, even as someone born and bred outside of the country) is being recognised for its achievements. This is a completely emotional reaction, but at the same time, the reaction comes from a historical and political place. I can't (and won't) deny it, African's have something to prove to the world - and to ourselves. We 'need' to remind people that we are worthy, and to under estimate us is a mistake. It's about respect - and where better to prove it, than in a sports setting? On the sports field, your only weapon is your skill. Performance enhancing drugs aside, money isn't going to help you overcome your opponent. But it's still a battle - of wits and a battle for national pride. And just as Cameroon and Nigeria did before them, Ghana ('the tiny african nation', according to the New York Daily News), made the point (again) that African's can compete in an international setting and should be given the respect accorded to other (read: white) teams, on the sports field - and beyond. So, to beat the best European teams, and beat the US - percieved by some as a 'big' team, because of its political and economic strength - and huge levels of confidence - is a massive statement to the world. HUGE. Why do you think Michael Essien said that the Czech win was for the people of Africa? But it's not just about skin colour - The Irish felt the same way around 10 years ago when they gave the English football team a run for its money in the mid to late 90's; Cameroon felt the same way, as did Nigeria when they proved their detractors wrong at 'round about the same time. I bet the Brasilians thinks that every four years when they bring the trophy home!

So now, it's Ghana representing the continent of Africa - and her Diaspora (uh huh, I know African American's who supported Ghana when they played against the US - for political and emotional reasons). If you dont belive me when I say that we feel like we have something to prove, read this editorial from the Accra Daily Mail:

Ghana 2 USA 1

| Posted: Friday, June 23, 2006

What else can we say?
No superlative would be able to describe this historic performance and so we shan't attempt any.

All that we can say is that our country can indeed MAKE IT! We are not talking just about football and sports, but also all those departments that propel a people towards progress and development.

We are talking here of science, technology, good governance, architecture, art, music, medicine, education and all the gamut of activities that add up to create a rich culture.

As we asked in an earlier editorial, in these fantastic achievements by the Black Stars where was NPP; where was NDC. In other words, the over-policisation of issues leads only to hubris and dispersal of national effort and energies It is Ghana all the way that is taking us to these dizzying heights at the World Cup. If we start thinking and behaving Ghanaian, we shall surely MAKE it.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

Well done, ayeekoo Black Stars.