Most
times, I marvel at my folks’ fanatical support for the English soccer,
especially the Premier League.
My
son, for instance, appears to have resolved to shoot up his blood pressure each
time his team, Arsenal FC plays. And I wonder if I am the only Nigerian who
doesn’t give a damn? Even here in the United States (after all these years) I
refuse to have a favorite team in any sporting events whether basketball,
football or whatever. I support only the winning team in any game…and I guess
that’s why I have a great blood pressure most of the time.
The
funny thing was that I thought the soccer craziness was a monopoly of Nigerians
until I heard (over on the BBC) this morning that a man in Africa lost his house
this past weekend after his Arsenal team was defeated by Manchester United.
Before
last weekend’s match between Manchester United and Arsenal, two men in Uganda
placed a bet. Rashid Yiga, a Manchester United supporter, was so confident his
team would win that he bet his wife and his Toyota car. Meanwhile, Arsenal
supporter Henry Dhabasani bet his two-room house that the Gunners would win.
Could
anyone imagine such madness?
After
Arsenal lost the match, Dhabasani fainted, according to a news report. And then
on Monday, several Manchester United fans stormed Dhabasani’s home in Iganga,
in eastern Uganda, and threw him out along with his family.
What
craziness! For all I know about Arsenal FC, I don't see why any sane person
will bet an ordinary office pin on that soccer team...not to talk of a house!
That is one sports team that is as erratic, clumsy and most unpredictable as
the Eagles of Philadelphia (an American football team).
In
2009 (in Kenya) an Arsenal supporter committed suicide after Arsenal lost 3-1
to Manchester United in the second leg of the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League
semi-final.
Adeoluwa,
I hope you're reading this piece?
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