Nations Cup Notebook
Feb 12, 2004
IN our society, the football teams of Brazil, Netherlands, Nigeria and Cameroon have consistently attracted the eye of many a fan.
By Mark Namanya
IN our society, the football teams of Brazil, Netherlands, Nigeria and Cameroon have consistently attracted the eye of many a fan.
Brazil, Netherlands and Arsenal play a brand of football that keeps fans amused while the several professionals of Nigeria and Cameroon mean the Super Eagles and Indomitable Lions are Africa’s super powers.
The massive quarterfinal clash between Cameroon and Nigeria was not greeted with enchantment as most people wanted it to be a dream final.
Cameroon’s eventual exit left a bad taste in the mouths of most fans, yet to come to terms with the departure of the outgoing champions. I can tell from the number of reactions I’ve received since. “I will miss the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon,†grieved a distraught fan. The only other team the same remorsefulness can be shown is Nigeria.
****************
Football, I believe, is the same sport all over the world and is played under similar regulations and conditions.
However, that cannot be said of the silver/golden rule, which came into effect at the 1996 European championships. FIFA and UEFA have taken it on but not CAF.
CAF’s desire to be independent from FIFA in certain aspects of the game could be cited as the reason for this stance. I think the sudden goal, which benefited Senegal at the World Cup, should be introduced.
To comment e-mail sports@newvision.co.ug
Ends
IN our society, the football teams of Brazil, Netherlands, Nigeria and Cameroon have consistently attracted the eye of many a fan.
Brazil, Netherlands and Arsenal play a brand of football that keeps fans amused while the several professionals of Nigeria and Cameroon mean the Super Eagles and Indomitable Lions are Africa’s super powers.
The massive quarterfinal clash between Cameroon and Nigeria was not greeted with enchantment as most people wanted it to be a dream final.
Cameroon’s eventual exit left a bad taste in the mouths of most fans, yet to come to terms with the departure of the outgoing champions. I can tell from the number of reactions I’ve received since. “I will miss the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon,†grieved a distraught fan. The only other team the same remorsefulness can be shown is Nigeria.
****************
Football, I believe, is the same sport all over the world and is played under similar regulations and conditions.
However, that cannot be said of the silver/golden rule, which came into effect at the 1996 European championships. FIFA and UEFA have taken it on but not CAF.
CAF’s desire to be independent from FIFA in certain aspects of the game could be cited as the reason for this stance. I think the sudden goal, which benefited Senegal at the World Cup, should be introduced.
To comment e-mail sports@newvision.co.ug
Ends