Izuchukwu Okosi
There is excitement sweeping through Nigerian cities and villages – and in diaspora – following the Super Eagles’ 4-2 penalty win over South Africa which means that they will play hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 34th edition of the tournament on Sunday evening.
However there were sad news also as no less than five Nigerians lost their precious lives either in ecstacy or the moment South Africa scored their equaliser through Tekolo Moekena.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa’s IZUCHUKWU OKOSI delves into the four ways that those with health conditions affecting the cardiovascular or simply nervous over the results of major games can deal with the outcome of the final.
1. Monitor the game on social media
Rather than watch the final between Nigeria and the hosts Cote d’Ivoire on television, at the stadium or listen to the radio, those with ‘faint hearts’ can opt to read the live blogs on the various websites and social media handles where there are no noise from those watching live.
This will limit the level of anxiety.
2. Watch Replay of Nigeria vs South Africa
Those who cannot bear the level of panic and tension associated with live games can decide to watch the replay of the Nigeria versus South Africa.
Although there were some unfortunate deaths of Nigerians recorded due to medical conditions, the unbrindled joy of the victory is one worth reminiscing over.
Those who cannot watch live can have a ‘feel-good moment’ seeing the semifinals again on television.
This would help in emphasizing that it is a game afterall with a winner expected after 90 minutes, 120 minutes or the penalty shootouts.
Consequently, should the Super Eagles not win on Sunday, the above stated point would have made it easier to accept.
3. Be Home Alone
If any of the above two ways to tamper expectations from the Super Eagles cannot do the trick, another way out is to shout out both the social media, electronic media, even family and friends for the duration of the match.
The period of solitude could help in playing down the ‘importance’ of the moment.
4. Let Nigeria Be The Underdogs
And if any of three above cannot convince the faithful Super Eagles supporters, the safest way for those watching live is to consider the Super Eagles as the underdogs.
Even before the kick off of the game, it is safe to assume that thunder will not strike twice after the Super Eagles beat the hosts 1-0 in the group stage.
The stadium will be full to capacity with sea of oranges, the hosts will deploy every trick to ensure that they win.
So all these factors should give the Nigerian fans the comfort they need knowing that most pre tournament predictions never had Nigeria in thecpicgire for a place in the final.
Watching the game with the mindset of accepting whatever is the outcome will do a whole lot of good for those who are hypertensive.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
