By Tolulope Oguntimehin 
 

With hearts in our mouths, the entire nation waited anxiously for news from Libya, fearing the worst for our beloved Super Eagles. The uncertainty hung heavy in the air as mothers, fathers, girlfriends, side chicks, journalists, and well-wishers alike yearned for any update on whether the team had made it out of Libya safely. So, it was with a collective sigh of relief when news finally broke that the players had touched down in Kano before heading to Abuja and Lagos.

Honestly, part of me wished for a more dramatic, commando-style rescue mission—something straight out of a movie. I imagined the Federal Government flying in with Air Force One to extract the Super Eagles, much like we see Americans do with their citizens in times of crisis. It would have been a bold show of strength, a clear statement to the rest of Africa that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with. If only such things could happen in real life! But as they say, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Though we didn’t get that Hollywood moment, what we did witness was commendable. The proactiveness and decisiveness of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), along with the support of the foreign ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development, ensured that CAF understood our firm stance: the safety of our players must always come first, before any football matter. This united front in the face of adversity sent a powerful message to CAF and the world.

Now that the players have safely returned home, I find myself reflecting on the entire ordeal. Our captain deserves immense praise for the way he took charge, both on and off the field, marshalling the team and voicing his concerns on social media. His leadership shone through in a time of crisis. At the same time, the comedic relief provided by Victor Boniface on social media helped bring attention to the real challenges the team faced, offering the world a glimpse of the hardships endured by the Super Eagles.

This experience also serves as a valuable lesson for the North African teams, who are notorious for employing unsporting tactics and psychological warfare to gain an advantage on the pitch. The dark arts of football are nothing new in this region, but this time, they may have inadvertently awakened a sleeping giant. The adversity faced by the Super Eagles could turn out to be the catalyst that unites the team and strengthens their resolve, potentially transforming them into an even more formidable force in African football.

In times of difficulty, there is often an opportunity for growth and unity. How I wish Victor Osimhen had been part of this experience—it would have deepened the camaraderie among the players, much like the tight-knit bonds formed by the legendary Super Eagles squads of 1980 and 1994. Those teams were united not only by their immense talent but by their shared experiences and determination to fight for one another. Adversity has a way of bringing people closer, and I believe this challenging episode will do the same for the current squad.

This ordeal could very well mark a turning point for the Super Eagles as they look to reignite their World Cup hopes and charge towards the 2026 tournament. The team now knows what it means to face hardship together, and that bond could translate into better teamwork and resilience on the field. As they prepare for upcoming African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, this strengthened unity may be just the boost they need to push through difficult moments and emerge victorious.

In the grand scheme of things, this experience might be the very tonic the Super Eagles needed. It’s often said that the strongest teams are forged in the fires of adversity, and if that holds true, then the Super Eagles are on the verge of becoming a truly dreaded force in African football.

Watch closely—this  could be the turning point for a team poised to achieve greatness.