ACCRA
Well, I really must tell you about football, i.e. soccer, fever. (The generally accepted origin of the word “soccer” is that it is a contraction of the word association, as in Association Football in 19th century England). Today, Sunday, same day as the Superbowl, is the soccer match between Ghana and Nigeria at the quarter final stage of the All Africa Cup of Nations XXVI. Realize that football is the most popular sport in the world, the USA being prominently excepted. Soccer fever is even more intense than what we have before a Superbowl or major basketball game. Think flying flags is uniquely American? Check these out:
GHANA FLAGS ON PARKED CAR
DOUBLE FLAGS FLYING ON CAR WHIZZING BY
SUV FLAG
Crazy hats, shirts and jerseys, Ghana flag wrist-bands, caps, headbands and other merchandizing - it’s all here. Talk about face and body painting - I saw some photos of bare-chested men completely painted from head to midriff and wearing blond wigs!
GHANA FLAG T-SHIRTS ON SALE
There has been a traditional soccer rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, so the lead-up to this match was intense. The predictions were generally 2-0 to Ghana, and everyone’s braggadocio had me worried that Ghana was going to take a fall from their pride pedestal. But in the end, Nigeria was defeated and Ghana erupted with cries of jubilation. The match was televised on big screen at the Busy Internet, so I did get to see some of it and I must say Ghana’s second goal (against Nigeria’s one) was brilliant - and I’m no soccer buff!