Nigeria’s legendary football maestro and coaching genius, the nonagenarian Alabi Aisien, has disclosed the pivotal moment that propelled Africa’s FIFA World Cup representation from a mere one slot to the current five.
In a captivating interview with Persecondnews, Aisien, whom his contemporaries hailed as Nigeria’s most learned and insightful coach during the 1970s and 1980s, recounted the compelling narrative of the 1979 clash between Racca Rovers and Bendel Insurance.
That electrifying 2-2 draw proved to be a watershed event, witnessed firsthand by FIFA President João Havelange, who was profoundly impressed by the evident talent and passion of African football on display.
According to Aisien, the enthralling encounter “transformed Havelange’s perception of African football,” ultimately opening doors for greater participation of African nations on the global stage of the World Cup.
Havelange’s presidency saw the expansion of the World Cup from 16 to 32 teams, allowing countries from Asia, Oceania, and Africa to participate. Africa gained five World Cup slots, a notable increase from the previous one slot.
Alabi Aisien’s impact on grassroots football has been monumental, nurturing countless young talents and offering them pathways to both employment and recreation.
Yet, despite his profound contributions to the nation’s sporting landscape, Aisien has remarkably received no formal recognition or honour from either his state or the Nigerian government.
Persecondnews recalls that Aisien’s coaching prowess was evident in his team, Bendel Insurance, which he turned into a team to be reckon with in 1978.
Composed of young men with Bini heritage or residency, the team showcased a dynamic and energetic style of football. The likes of Henry Ogboe, Chris Ogu, and Sylvanus Etoroma perfectly embodied the innovative coaching principles of Aisien.
Through his vision and leadership, Aisien forged a formidable football powerhouse that achieved the remarkable feat of remaining unbeaten throughout an entire season.
Drawing inspiration from Warri, a city renowned for its footballing passion, Aisien’s enduring legacy continues to ignite dreams and stands as a powerful tribute to his exceptional coaching prowess and unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.
His journey serves as a potent illustration of the transformative influence one individual can exert on the world of football.
The Full Interview:
Q: Are you bothered about not being honoured by Nigeria?
Aisien: “In 1979 Racca Rovers vs Bendel Insurance at the National Stadium in Surulere the very intense and tactical game ended 2-2 the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) President João Havelange was present in the stands.
“We played with a 4-3-2-1 formation, which I christened the “arrow head.” This formation allowed us to play with our strength, utilizing a solid defense and midfield shield.
“After the game, Havelange returned to Zurich and declared that Africa had come of age. He championed five slots for the continent at the World Cup. However, few people know the story behind this opportunity for Africa.
“Nigeria is a country that forgets its heroes. I’m not bothered about national honors because I know how Nigeria neglects its own.
“A perfect example is Late Patrick Okpomo, a three-time General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Association. Despite his contributions, Nigerian delegates voted for Issa Hayatou instead of Okpomo during elections.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the chances of Nigeria qualifying for the World Cup?
Aisien: “Qualifying for the World Cup is not just about giving what you have; it’s about building a team from the grassroots and nurturing talent through the ranks.
“We have talented players in Europe, but we lack a cohesive team spirit and nationalism. Our team relies heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective effort.
“There’s no shortcut to victory in football. We had a developmental program in Bendel that produced hungry and refined talent for the U-17 team.
“Today, the Nigerian League, if properly structured, can be another football factory that feeds the national team with pure and hungry talent. However, the current state of the league is far from ideal.”
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