By Olumide Olaoyenikan Aturu. 

Penalties Again!

The announcement of Fan IDs sufficing visa requirements for Africa's most prestigious mundial raised huge hopes for diaspora’s participation in the 2025 edition of Africa Nations Cup in Morocco. 
( All eyes are on the USA, Canada and Mexico as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches.)

Raising an unbelievably rising tide in Royal Air Maroc’s history, splurging in an unprecedented number of flights with over 7million visitors between November 2025 - January 2026. It didn’t matter anymore if you are an avid football fan or tourist tycoon, Morocco naturally became the latest destination for exploration which has now set a new economy record increase of 9% GDP economic growth. Hotels and resorts, airbnbs, local transportations and trains, designer shops and cultural attires, fine sceneries and dinnings, exchange rate platforms and coffees, all soared in popularity and profits, making Morocco an attraction for foreigners and investors. 

Comedian Bovi’s recent post on instagram has made me think more deeply about the importance of football in any nation and how it affects the world of its own people, especially in religion, ethnicity, politics, socioeconomy, and culture. Football, although not appreciated enough in Africa, has since won many tribal wars, religious disputes and economic crises ( Didier Drogba Bouaké Ceasfire 2005,2007 in Ivory Coast, Pele’s 48hour Biafra Ceasefire January 1969 in Nigeria, Sadio Mane’s influence for housing and medical infrastructure in Bambali, Senegal and George Weah’s political aspirations changed a post-conflict nation of Liberia. ) 

Nigeria, giant of Africa, wake up! 
End your wars, use football today!!

The giant of Africa, Nigeria, due to its massive population (Africa's largest), significant natural resources (especially oil), large economy, and influential role in African politics and culture, should quickly take over the world as the global economy in Africa, using football and other sports to solve the already missing pieces, ranging from tribalism, political instability and social unrest. The government should critically examine from public polls, the impact of the nation’s progress in any competitive football game, as it seamlessly unified races and religions in strong capacities. The aforementioned analysis is simply an economic advantage and football should immediately be turned into a fully funded mega sport with huge financial benefits, as it will solve many underlying issues just like it’s doing for Morocco, South Africa, UK and other countries in the world. 

English Football clubs add £3.4 billion to UK economy, The Premier League generates massive economic value for the UK, contributing £9.8 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and £4.4 billion in tax in the 2023/24 season alone, supporting over 100,000 jobs and funding public services. This economic powerhouse comes from broadcasting, matchday revenues, global sponsorships, player trading, and widespread commercial activities, making it a significant industry beyond just sports. 
The Kingdom of Morocco is gradually gaining momentum and replicating this status as Matchday tickets for AFCON quarter finals and semi finals ranged from £500 - £2500 with maximum stadium capacity. 

5Stars Football Consultancy, the organizers of 5Stars Premier League, a grassroots 5/7-a-side football league sensation, who have been working hard to sustain annual matchday attendance for 7+ consecutive years, generating more than 150million culminated funding in product sponsorships and partnerships, 400k+ onsite visits and over 40million+ tv and online viewerships, have finally attended the AFCON in Morocco and discovered the numerous economic opportunities in organizing more beneficial football events and understanding policies for sustainable development. At the Africa Football Convention held in Casablanca, Morocco during the AFCON period, Dr Chad an indigenous PR Consultant in Morocco, who was a co-guest speaker with 5Stars Football Official, reiterated how football have changed the game in the Kingdom of Morocco since the government took intentional decisions on increased funding, capacity training and construction of state of art infrastructure. Many African countries can understudy this trend, pilot a new seamless system for economic development using football and other sports as strategic tools. 

From Lagos Enroute Casablanca, Fez to Marrakech, Tangier to Agadir and Rabats’, there is a common denominator devoid of languages and religious beliefs, the respect for football as a means to an end, uniting people and solving economic problems. Feedbacks culled from the Berbers ( or Amazigh ), to the Mediterranean coast, to the Francophones and Anglophones that attended the 2025 Total Energies AFCON during my stay in Morocco has become a new benchmark, setting in top tier, aiming a whooping 21million visitors by FIFA 2030 Club World Cup, with latest data accrued from matchday, fanzone and tourist sites. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania all taking notes ahead of the CAF AFCON 2027 edition, hoping to use similar tactics for bigger results. 

In an exclusive interview with BBC PidginEnglish, HM Ogiame Atutwase III the Olu of Warri said “the past 4-5matches at AFCON was Nigeria’s best squad-play in over 26years”, which I concur. 
The current players, team and management must remain focused on stability and development, whilst ensuring the grassroots football exchange system is maintained. 

Nothing can be more exciting, even fulfilling, as a Nigerian sports activist; than, seeing Nigeria with increased fortunes, playing in the leagues of developing her own arsenals, bouncing back from the past injuries inflicted through ignorance of leaving football, a major economic gamechanger, in total neglect. 

Soar Naija!