Memories of USA 94

 

I didn't see the opening game live as I was fast asleep but this iconic picture will never leave my memory. (Photo credit: Brilla FM)

I think it was on a Monday like this and I had to go to school the next morning; it was just my dad and I in the living room. He hurried back from work for the game, Nigeria against Italy at the USA 94.

I was such a little boy but with strong interests in football at the time; I had a great time watching the final of the Nations Cup few months earlier, it was my real introduction to football as all that I saw of Senegal 92 were so faint I could barely remember anything.

I am struggling to remember their names now but we used to have neighbors that talked up football and even when I didn’t understand in full, I followed keenly but USA 94 gave me all possible emotions that I am now used to with the game, tales of the good, the bad and the damn right ugly.

Emmanuel Amunike had opened scoring for Nigeria and we were coasting to victory against the tactically efficient Azzuris; it was clear as day that they knew what to do, they took out Daniel Amokachi and I think the offender got sent off, I have to check that part.

Deep into extra time of second half, Sunday Oliseh was a little naïve and we paid for it, he could have gotten a yellow or even a red but he withdrew from a tackle that would have prevented the equalizer and the rest is history. Level at full time, we went into extra time and Austin Eguavoen conceded a penalty.

Roberto Baggio did his thing and we were out, I saw despair written all over my father, he opened the fridge and allowed Gulder to fix the rest of the night; I saw the game played out many times all through the night and in my head, I was hoping I’d one day play football and win the World Cup for Nigeria, LOL.

Football has been a huge part of me ever since and today in Qatar, the World Cup continues. Nigeria didn’t make it and Ghana that denied us the ticket have forgotten they came too; sad for Senegal with their weak tactics last night but we now pin all African hopes on Morocco.

I remember that night every time; while I didn’t understand tactics or whatnot then, I knew what it means to be hurt and what the joy of victory tastes like. A lot is creeping into the beautiful game now and we can only hope they won’t spoil the game for us.