Football should be enjoyed

The final of the Ghana-Nigeria 2000 Nations cup final was a sad night. The Cameroonians were almost humiliating Nigeria at home but thanks to a spirited effort spear-headed by Okocha. It was a final we already won before that night. Fireworks and other side attractions were already in place to celebrate when the trophy will be handed to us. Our heart was shattered by the penalty taken by Ikpeba. It struck the crossbar and crossed the finish line but the referee could not see it. I went to bed that night hoping to wake from my dream. This scenario and several others bring to the fore, the issue of goal line technology.

It is a proposed technology which may help determine when the ball has completely crossed the goal line. It thereby assists the referee in making the right decision. A lot of question need be asked about the proposed technology. I can’t imagine the official waiting or going to the flanks to watch a reply or another official watches and communicates it to the centre referee. Will it finally bring to rest all controversy which otherwise has made football more interesting?

Our quest for right decision is just an indication of our over-zealous attitude towards the sport. I always thought was meant to be enjoyed at leisure but it seems the ills of the society has made soccer our opium thus we want it to be perfect in terms of decision making. Let’s not forget that a little bit of bias makes the game more interesting. Football should be watched to make each one of us happy and not to turn us into enemies all because we are fans of competing teams.