Africa and its leaders certainly have a lot to learn from the Russia 2018 World Cup. The so-called African leaders should begin to ask themselves if the people they are leading have a fair deal with them. And the people should begin to interrogate those leading them, particularly in Sub-Sahara Africa if they are leading them in the right direction. They should also ask themselves if they are getting the best from their leaders.
Hosting the tournament has projected Russia as they continue to their way out of the Soviet era – from socialism to capitalism. Many Russians benefited from the World Cup in areas of hoteling, banking, transport, cafeteria, laundering, merchandising etc.
The Vladimir Putin government was focused from when the country survived the western propaganda blitz to win the tournament’s hosting rights after a stiff contest with England at South Africa 2010. England’s bid was knocked out in the first round, as Russia progressed to secure the right to host the championship for the first time.
Despite a last-ditch attempt by the British and American media to discredit the transcontinental country and Putin and underplay the tournament, Russia forged ahead to host what FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described as “the best World Cup”.
It was not reported that Putin went begging any country to support Russia 2018 in the face of name-calling and falsehood. The British and American media would have exposed Putin if his country gave a dime as “PR” for support in the face Western propaganda.
Russia proved their detractors wrong. They have one of the best transport, accommodation, road, communications and security systems in the world.
Putin truly represent what the majority of his people want! What would an African leader have done? Your guess as good as mine.
Celebrating more than the winners
The African community in the French winning team celebrated as if it is the last World Cup. Samuel Umtiti (Cameroon), Blaise Matuidi (Angola), Paul Pogba (Guinea), Kylian Mbappe (Cameroon), Corentin Tolisso (Togo), Adil Rami (Morocco), Steve Mandanda (DR Congo), Ousmane Dembele (Mali), Djibril Sidibe (Mali), Nabil Fekir (Algeria), Presnel Kimpembe (DR Congo) and Benjamin Mendy (Ivory Coast) held the French flag in celebration as if FIFA had agreed to name the champions of the 2018 World Cup African France!
They celebrated on the Luzhnki Stadium pitch after helping their adopted country win the football showpiece for the second time with zeal and passion, whereas real oyinbo people Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezman, Benjamin Pavard and Hugo Lloris celebrated like big men.
Africans should be happy that France won the tournament for Africa.
Compiled by Festus Abu, Moscow
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