END OF THE SEASON BLUES

It’s done. The final whistle blows and you have just seen the last set of league games for the season on your television. The commentary leaves you with phrases such as ‘Thank you for being with us’, or ‘Till next time’, or ‘See you next season for another… (I usually zone out after those words)’. Next season? So no more end-to-end football for like 2 months? What am I supposed to do till August? WHAT KIND OF LIFE IS THIS??

Sounds sad, doesn’t it? (I’m talking about the reaction in the above paragraph). Funny enough, that is how a lot of people feel at the moment. A lot of us are addicted to football; perhaps more than we think we are (myself included). Getting home or to a viewing centre/bar to watch a game is part of what keeps us going in our daily chaotic lives and to lose that is kinda hard to deal with. You feel empty once it’s over because football is such a huge part of your routine. Should be a long summer right? Not quite. I’ll tell you why.

First of all, the international tournaments are here to keep you company. The Euros and Olympics were highlights from 2016 while the Confederations Cup and Under-17 World Cup were on our screens last year. The FIFA World Cup will light up our lives this year as well, so there is action to look forward to. I’m actually looking at how badly beaten Nigeria will be at this tournament (I hope I’m wrong though, with Nigeria conceding just a few goals…but still getting knocked out early…lol…because that is definitely happening) or the magic Messi will use to win the trophy (since he’s only good at losing international finals at this level), or we get to see Belgium become a force in this tournament (They are my wildcard for this World Cup…as in to WIN it). It’s important we remember this and strap in. Should be awesome.

Also, this time offers you the chance to watch football from somewhere else. For Nigerians, the Nigerian Premier Football League is still on so you can take this time to go see some games. Depending on which state you live in, just take a walk to the stadiums. Watch the live games. Let’s see if Lokosa can end his season with the Golden Boot (he probably will) or if Heartland will go down (they probably will). You could also witness the occasional referee fiasco (like in the game between Rivers United and Plateau United where the referee got smacked at half-time…for doing his job). It’s all part of the game so go watch it.

 

Finally, this period allows you to live your life. Seriously, think about it. Back-to-back weekends of watching soccer has caused you to miss a few things happening elsewhere (I know I have disappointed some people by staying in for some EPL action). Now you don’t have that string tying you down. YOU ARE FREE!! Go see a movie, take that bae/boo out, take that leave, travel, go see that Uncle/Aunty that has been hounding you to visit him/her. Go to that friend’s house, mend broken relationships, and return to those church programmes that you’ve been dodging. Don’t make this feel like a death sentence. Take this time to recharge (just like many players will do this period) and get your energy up for next season, because God knows you will need it.

On a final note, where there is no football, there is football chatter. If you are still looking to get some action, get on social media. It’s filled with all sorts of talk; from the fake news to the hilarious stories. I mean, Viera was gonna leave NYCFC for Europe. With a chance to coach a top club in Europe on the table and prepared just for him, he walks into Nice because he thinks he’s preparing to take the same job that might not be available for another 5-6 years or ever? How smart. Think on that.

Later.

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