October in History

In the spirit of our Independence Anniversary, I decided to compile this list. It highlights some important days in the month of October in the history of Nigeria. Enjoy!

October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained independence from Britain.

October 1, 1961: Southern Cameroon ceases to be a part of Nigeria and became a part of Cameroun, following the UN-organised plebiscite of Febuary 11, 1961. 

October 1, 1963: Nigeria became a republic. This republic (the first) was brought to an abrupt end by the coup of January 16, 1966 (also the first coup).

October 1, 1979: Alhaji Shehu Shagari was sworn in as president. Thus, the Second Republic began on this day, eventually meeting its demise on December 31, 1983 through a military coup. Shehu Shagari was just beginning his second term when the coup plotters struck.

Nigeria and African Cup of Nations (CAN)

This list is about the checkered history of Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations. The obvious is omitted: Nigeria are reigning champions. Enjoy!

1) 1978 CAN

The tournament heralded the beginning of great things to come. Segun Odegbami shared the highest goal scorer prize with 2 other players.

2) 3 in 1

Nigera hosted and won the 1980 edition of the African Cup of Nations, with individual prizes to boot. Segun Odegbami (a.k.a mathematical) was joint-highest goal scorer and ex-Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu was most valuable player.

3) The ‘thing’ between Nigeria and Cameroun

They have been Nigeria’s nemesis literally. Cameroun have won the African Cup of Nations 4 times, three of these titles have been won by besting Nigeria. Nigeria to them lost in 1984 and 1988. History repeated itself: Nigeria lost to them controversially in the 2002 edition of the cup co-hosted by both countries. 

4) Fixation with silver

Nigeria have been runners-up four times—1984, 1988, 1990, 2000. This fixation with second position is shared with Ghana (they have 4 too).

5) Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze!

7 times have the Super Eagles claimed bronze at the African Cup of Nations. Now if winning silver a record 4 times can be termed fixation, what do we call this? Mania? Madness? No other country comes close—Cote d’ Ivoire has just four. 

6) Never been fourth

This means that they have never lost a third place match. 7 third place matches, 7 wins. What a record. 

7) Rashidi Yekini

The iconic forward was highest goal scorer at two consecutive African Cup of Nations tournaments. He led 1992 tournament with four goals, and 5 goals at 1994 tournament. Overall, he’s no push-over: he has 13 CAN goals. Only Cameroun Samuel Eto’o (18) and Ivory Coast Laurent Pokou (14) have more. 

8) Jay Jay Okocha

Jay jay okocha was joint-highest goal scorer and most valuable player at Tunisia 2004.

9) Julius Aghahowa

Julius aghahowa, the back flip expert, was joint-highest goal scorer at Nigeria/Cameroun 2002. No player scorer more than a meagre 3 goals.

10) Emmanuel Emenike

He was Nigeria's goal hero at the last CAN in South Africa. He scored four goals to claim joint-top scorer.

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Abacha's 1983 Coup Speech

General Sani Abacha (1943 – 1998), the late dictator, made this speech after the 1983 military coup that kicked out President Shehu Shagari. He is reputed to have made the most coup speeches on air, starting with the one below.

                                                  

Late General Sani Abacha

THE 1983 MILITARY COUP SPEECH

Fellow country men and women,                                                                                    

I, Brigadier Sani Abacha, of the Nigerian Army address you this morning on behalf of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

10 Top Firsts I

This is a list of firsts. Not your run-of-the-mill list about first this, first that. This is the first in the series, expect more lists like this.

FIRST MUSEUM: This dictinction goes to Esie museum, Kwara State. It was established in 1945 during colonial rule. It houses thousands of soapstones and tombstones. Though the ages of the soapstone have not been scientifically determined, some locals believe that they are as old as creation. A festival is usually held every April at the museum.