On March 22, 1998, I was officially decorated with the honour and title of ‘Sports Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ in Abuja by the then Minister of Sports. It was in addition to a previous national honour of ‘Member of the Order of the Niger’, MON.
I take both honours very seriously. They are earned, the rewards for national duty through hard work, dedication, sacrifices, patriotism, discipline, and trophies.
They also come, of course, with additional demands and even more responsibility.
That’s why I try, always, to appreciate the country’s generosity by attempting to live a simple, decent life of exemplary good conduct to serve as a model for generations coming after me through the window of sports. How far I have fared with these unwritten expectations and standards I leave for Nigerians and posterity to judge.
Today, football in Nigeria is at a crossroads. The time comes to test my judgement and character, a burden that I must carry even in the evening of my life.
