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REPRESENTING THE BADGE AND

NOT JUST PLAYING FOR THE BAG

BY EMMANUEL KWANKWA
n the heart of Yola, a young footballer named for their country.
Adamu had always dreamt of playing for the
INigerian national team. From a young age, he Seeing the pride National players in many
had watched popular Nigerian footballers such as international sports such as football, basketball ball,
Osimhen, Mikel Obi, Moses Simon and many others volleyball, boxing, wrestling, amongst many can
as his idols donning the green and white jersey with motivate young players to bring same or better
pride and passion, and representing Nigeria on the honours and recognition of our Nation Nigeria in
international stages. Their dedication to the badge international sports body (Eze 54).
inspired Adamu to work harder on his game, As a further matter, a good example of personal
pushing himself to the limit in the pursuit of his determination in sports by individuals or a game
dream.
squad is the recent AFCON matches played by
Years later, Adamu found himself on the pitch, Nigeria’s "Super Eagles" and the Nigerian female
wearing that same green and white jersey he had basketball squad. The Nigerian national football
admired as a child. He felt a surge of pride and team put on quite a show in the last AFCON
patriotism as he stood before the cheering crowd, tournament. They played with immense skill and
knowing that he was representing not just himself, determination; making their fans and the whole
but his entire nation. With every kick of the ball, he nation at large proud. And we cannot forget about
felt a sense of responsibility to do his best, to honor the amazing Nigerian female basketball squad!
the legacy of those who had come before him. These talented ladies have been dominating the
court, showcasing their incredible teamwork and
It is this sense of patriotism that sets great athletes talent. They have become an inspiration for young
apart from the rest (Adekule 6). When an athlete girls all over Nigeria. Both teams have been shining
plays for something greater than themselves, when examples of Nigerian sports prowess, and their
they play for their country and their people, their performances have left a lasting impact on the
performance is elevated to a whole new level. The nation. These players and many others not
spirit of patriotism drives them to give their all; to mentioned, fought tirelessly for the badge, and by
push themselves beyond their limits, to fight for doing so, they made Nigeria proud. This is a call for
victory not just for themselves, but for their nation, every Nigeria to use his or her own talent to support
to give the nation a sense of pride and honour the already 'falling' Nigeria.
(Nwosu 62).
Patriotism in sports is not just a feel-good
On the flip side, when athletes focus solely on the sentiment, it is the driving force behind the success
fame, prestige, and the financial rewards that come of any nation's sporting endeavors. When athletes
with their profession, they lose sight of what truly represent their country with pride and passion,
matters. Their performances suffer, their when they play for something greater than
dedication wanes, and they become mere shadows themselves, the possibilities and advantages are
of the champions they once were or are meant to endless (Ogunlade 5). It is time for Nigerian athletes
be. This not only affects the individual athlete but to rise to the occasion, to embrace the spirit of
tarnishes the reputation of their nation as a whole patriotism, and to lead their nation to greatness on
and also brings pain to their fellow countrymen the international stage. The future of sports in
who are their biggest fans and supporters Nigeria, the unity of Nigeria, and the happiness of
Nigerians depend on it (Akindele 3).
In Nigeria, where sports hold a special place in the
hearts of the people, it is crucial for athletes to
embody the spirit of patriotism in their
performances by playing for the badge (The WORKS CITED
Adekunle, Funmi. From the Field to the Podium: Sports and Development in
nation's pride) and not just for the bag (money and Nigeria. Ibadan University Press 2020.
Akindele, Tunde. Sports Revolution: Unleashing Nigeria's Potential through
fame). Nigerian athletes can inspire a new Athletics. Nsukka University Press, 2017.
generation of sportsmen and women, instilling in Eze, Ngozi. Beyond the Scoreboard: Exploring the Social and Economic Benefits of
Sports in Nigeria. P. Percy Publishers ,2019.
them the values of dedication, hard work, and love Nwosu, Chinedu. The Power of the Game: Sports and Nation-Building in Nigeria.
Ossai publishers, 2015.
Ogunlade, Adeola. Game Changers: How Sports Transformed Nigeria. Lagos
University Press 2018.