Soccer: Africa a thing to fear

Does anyone know why I am so interested in the World Cup championship that will take place in Paris in mid-1998? Unlike other fans, I will not be watching this championship for pleasure. I will watch just to appreciate the performances of Africans.

For example, in Africa, there is no food at all and we are a hungry people. Despite this, our performances in the championship in recent years are quite a surprise to millions of people around the world. In fact, we are becoming a nuisance to renowned soccer-nations and other detractors whose narrow performances in the championship are far below Africa's.

In the late 1980s, the Cameroonian squad was able to play in the World Cup for the first time and surprisingly it knocked out a number of well-fed squads to reach the quarterfinals. Imagine, this happened even though Cameroon's opponents came from food- abundant countries.

In 1994, Nigeria's performance was described by soccer commentators as one of the most impressive. That performance, together with the one in Atlanta 96 makes Nigeria "a thing to fear" in France 98.

In addition to all the above, a number of recent opinion polls state Nigeria as one of the possible champions that may emerge from France 98.

New faces like South Africa will, hopefully, be another African pride in the World Cup. Africa, even though detractors may not like it, is, so far, the new emerging continent in sports, particularly soccer.

In 1995/1996, George Weah, an African, was voted by FIFA "the world's best football player".

Lastly, let any soccer fan hear this from me: it's not impossible for Africa to emerge overall victor in France 98. And even though this may not materialize, one or two African squads will, certainly and humbly, play beyond expectations.

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta