Bank don break!

FANS,

My sincerest apologies, no pictures today because I left for camera charger in 9ja - too much traveling. I went SHOPPING for family and friends, and most importantly, Wifey. The bank is broken so that it is credit card time. I have to come correct or the locks on the doors will be changed upon my return.

Wifey deserves the best because she "allowed" me to travel and be gone for 5 weeks (I know she knows the exact days to the second) to perambulate all around Africa and leave her with children that will drive a normal person into.... At any rate, the doctors did not call me or better yet I did not get any messages from the anyone including the doctor.

Now, I am going to house party to watch the Brazil vs Netherlands game. FANS, I miss my camera - oh well, I will represent for you. I am glad that I have responded to all the requests both by emails and phone calls.

Until next time, please say a prayer for me.

The Last 8

FANS,

They are 8 teams left. The South African media are fanatically supporting the Ghana team - the Black Star - how appropriate!! All Africans in South Africa should wear the Ghana colours (colors) on Friday. I will have to go buy me a Black Star jersey tomorrow. I think they have a very good chance of beating Uruguay. BTW how come Uruguay has 4 stars on their uniform (over their crest) when they have only won the cup twice?

The previous winners are Brazil (5), Germany (3), Argentina (2), and Uruguay (2) and the unusual suspects of Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, and our adopted Ghana. It is amazing how Germany, Argentina, and Spain will have to knock each other out to get to the final. If Brazil crushes the Oranges then it might be a cake walk to the finals. I have Brazil over Spain in one poll and Spain over Brazil in another. The South Americans have 4 out of the 8 and a possibility to have all 4 semi-final teams.

The reason for their dominance is simple. All the South American teams played 18 games to qualify in their final phase of qualification while the Africans only played 6 games. I have a suggestion for CAF - African governing body, the final phase of qualifications currently consist of 20 teams and instead of having 5 groups of 4 while not have 2 groups of 10 with the first 2 teams getting automatic qualification to the World Cup while the two third team play a home and away to get the fifth and final spot to the world cup. Imagine that Uruguay had to play a home and away match with Costa Rica to get in and now they are at worst the 8th best team in the world. Argentina used over 100 players during qualification and who is laughing now? Yes, Maradona is laughing all the way Capetown to play Germany.

In all sincerity, Ghana has won 1 (Serbia), lost 1 (Germany), and drew 2 (Australia and USA - advanced after aet). That is not exactly a superb performance. Hence, my suggestion for more competitive representation before FIFA takes away an African slot.

Today and tomorrow is a day of rest from the games and I will be spending the day sipping tea and watching the ocean waves; however, tomorrow is shopping day for the wifey and children - Lord, have mercy!

Until the next time, please say a prayer for me!

9 days - Kaita, JBurg, Lagos, Abuja, Zaria, & Benin

FANS,

A lot has happened while I was away visiting my precious Grand-mother. I had family obligations to attend hence my sudden departure to the "royal land". If wondering, she is in great shape and attitude and if you weren't then she is in her late eighties and still self sufficient and lives by herself. Nursing home my ....

At any rate, congratulations is in order to both Ghana and USA (I can not believe I am congratulating Uncle Sam). I am not a sore loser and USA performed much better than my beloved Super Eagles "Aged and Bald Eagles". Much love to Landon Donavon, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and the rest of them. I was impressed with the coaching...the coach read the game to the bank and almost stole the cash.

Now, I have something to say about our Papa Eagles (if you are not a Nigerian skip this paragraph): How can you call yourself playing for your country if you don't love your father, you don't love your mother, you don't yourself then how can you play and love your country? Until, us as 9jians answer THE question then we can not move forward. I was at the stadium against Greece, after the red card to "malam" and ineptitude of the Logback to evaluate the situation on the pitch, I decided to reassess, deconstruct, and analyze my allegiance to the Green White Green. I am raising my children to love everything Green White Green and here I am having travelled over 12,000 miles to watch people who don't love themselves. How will they love my children. My wifey said that it was just a game, no baby, it is the way their are thinking. We are mentally handicapped...it is not just a game it is a way of life. The world is evolving and we are just stuck in quicksand. Just imagine that the team was composed of players like malam red card, yak yak, and Shittoyou...The game of soccer has change. No more dribble, it is a pass and run game now- counter attack!!! Even the almighty Brazil has changed from Samba but lowly Eagles can not even commit to themselves, talk less of modifying our they think. As I watched the Greek coach adapt to the situation on the field and ours lack the vision, I knew I had an up-hill battle with my children because I am not really sure I believe in the Green White Green anymore; and to compound my frustration I am in South Africa and seeing what they have offered the world and we the "giants" can not, will not, and probably shall never offered those convenience to the world because we can not change and/or assimilate our thinking with and to the world.

I am back in Capetown and please when you do see my host and his family, please do THANK them for me. They have made this trip wonderful!!!

Until the next time, please say a prayer for me.

Road trip tp Bloemfontein

FANS,

I am on my way to Bloemfontein to watch the Nigeria vs Greece game. I have my tickets, flag (Green, White, & Green), and most importantly, my vuvuzela. The game is taking place tomorrow and this is the match to determine if 9ja is a contender or pretender. We need to beat both Greece and South Korea to advance.

After the game, I am going back to 9ja to see my lovely maternal Grand Ma for a few days before coming back to J'Burg for the reminder of my stay in South Africa. Some of my colleagues from work will have arrived by the time I come back to the J'Burg. We might just have a nice little get together "stateside" style.

FANS, no pictures today because it was too cold to go yesterday and I did not want to be under the weather. Mr. Kaiser is not anywhere here so I have to be very careful. My host's wife is feeling a little blue and I feel bad because we (her husband and I) are about to leave her with THREE children and head out to Bloemfontein. My sincerest apologies!!!

It is time to head out, so until next time, please say a prayer for me!

It is "Lekka" time

FANS,

I need to retire early! When and where is the buy-out? Seriously, my mind set is different now...always knew there is more to life than "working" but the rat-race makes you lose focus on what is important in life - true pure core happiness! 9ja gave me heart and determination; Uncle Sam gave way a better way of life; however, Capetown gave me a combination of the two. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Enough of my philosophies, for I digress.

At any rate, Italy vs Paraguay was played in "hail"; yes, it was hailing and the temperature was single digits (C) not (F). For a moment, I though I was on the East coast. The game and company were a blast - 5 people deep. The stadium was in the shape of Miriam Makeba's hat (the architect in me) - it was beautiful and majestic. We got home about 11:30 p.m. local time and my host planned on going to the work the next day (the rat race sucks).

I am going to watch the Ivory Coast put a whooping on over rated Portugal and one Christian Ronaldo.

Until next time, please say a prayer for me.

My first game tonite - Italy vs Paraguay

FANS,

My tournament actually starts tonite because I am going to my first game tonite - Italy vs Paraguay. I wet to the mall earlier and the Italians were acting a fool; singing like us 9ja non-stop at the food court. It was nice but I was busy shopping for the cold weather.

On the braai front, I have recovered and now I am eating some leftover chicken and potato salad. It even taste better then yesterday - go figure! My guy is at work so I am waiting for him to come back and all five (5) of us are walking down the street to Capetown stadium for an Italian butt whooping.

The Germans were beautiful! FANS, see why I was not impress with Argentina; yes, they beat us however, they are not going far. No chemistry like the Germans and we are yet to see the Brazilians (expect nothing else but beautiful football from the Samba team).

Let me finish my chicken and get dressed because it is cold over here. Until next time, please say a prayer for me.

Braai - part one

FANS,

I ate too much at the "braai" or what we call barbecue. The pictures are attached of the "potjie", FANS, it was delicious and I think I ate too much because I am very uncomfortable right now! That was lunch and I am passing over dinner because the pounds I lost in 9ja is back and with full effects. My host and his in-laws have been wonderful and they have made this first week a memorable one - one week down four to go.

Yellow Fever Story

Yes, least I forget...the yellow fever story so goes, at immigration in J'Burg I was kindly informed that since I transited through 9ja for 3 days that I need to show my yellow fever card. I was furious because it went against my principles and the lack of logic of the request. I polited told them that I had all my shots last year and I don't think if is safe to be injected with a yellow fever strand by a paramedics that is not a doctor and it will cost me USD 90 for what I get for free at Kaiser. We argued for an hour before my naija skills kicked in...I decided to give them some money without being injected and barely made my plane. It was unreal...all these Nigerians were getting shot up with yellow fever and not asking questions. As for me, nobody injects me without a prescription and at that, we still have to fight if I don't need it.

The Mourning after

A very Good Morning from Capetown, South Africa,

The weather is cooperating for a house "braai" which is similar to our B-B-Que. They use "3-iron pots". Don't fret pictures to follow after the "grubbing" and drinking. My host father-in-law's birthday is today and the festivity is starting. This is the best! Hey wifey, I even helped to sweep the living room...see I do help around the house when you are not watching...ROTFLOL!

Now, how do I really feel about yesterday's game? I think the Swede coach should go back home and we should have hired any other 9ja coach beside Amodu to bring to South Africa. The team as a whole got better as the game went on and as soon as Osazee and Martins (BTW, they should have started) entered the game was a different game. I was hoping that Maradona will out think himself before the game but it was "Logback" (actually his name is Lagerback) who actually coached like English coach Capella. I know the English I teething right now because another slip up, they will be playing Germany in the 2nd round; and trust me, the English DO NOT want that scenario. Did you see Beckham's face? He wanted to play so bad that he could taste it.

The atmosphere at the game was the best about 500 Capetown 9jas and visitors like myself danced through out the game except for the interval - got our drink on. The chairs/seats were empty - the organizers could not believe that we were did not want to seat over 100 minutes of the game we danced, sang, and blew our "vuvuzela". I am actually getting better by the hour blowing on that instrument. I will have to get the Twins theirs.

I will holla back after the braai and most importantly, HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

Until the next time, please say a prayer for me

ARG 1 vs NIG 0

FANS,

It has happen...Argentina has drawn first blood however, it is not over. If we beat Greece and South Korea then we are through otherwise it is Brazil 2018. As a matter of fact, my host and I bought tickets to the Greece game in Bloemfountein on June 17. It is going to be a 10 hours drive...do I hear a road trip? Do not fret FANS I will have pictures for you but as for the video, there are too large and I need to learn to compress them. Any teckkie out there? Please help a brother out

As for the game, it took me about 15 minutes to realize the game plan. I knew something was fishy when I did not see Osazee and Martins on the pitch/line-up; however, I can really blame the coach because if we had scored the 2 goals - Rev. Taiwo and Kalu Uche then the game plan would have worked to perfection.

To have a defensive game plan as the method to defeat Argentina was suicidal; however, I do not see them going far. Nigeria tired them out and the injury to Rev. Taiwo changed the substitution from Kanu to Kalu and that was our demise. Greece and South Korea be very careful because we have damage on our mind.

Wifey check facebook for my new hair-cut. It is cold like a .... I am going to watch the USA vs England match now so my FANS until next time, please say a prayer for me!

South Africa 1 vs Mexico 1

FANS,

What a game! The first half was what I expected because I figured the legs and hearts were as heavy as lead and they proved me right. Mexico had all the urgency and pressure until about 15 minutes to the end of the first half when SA came to life. At that time, I thought SA was going to win.

My host and I were dining with other travellers and shouting at the top of our lungs or for my American FANS, we were cheering SA on. The second half was better for the SA team before they scored a tactical counter attack goal; however, a temporarily lapse in judgement by the SA captain resulted in a goal for Mexico late in the game. The whole Waterfront center was quiet as Mexico scored. I felt their pain because they had that came won.

I am watching the second game from the couch because it is 9:05 p.m. right now.

Until next time, please say a prayer for me.

Thursday night at the "Santa Monica Pier"

FANS,

Today has come and the games are about to begin. I can not in good conscience begin to describe the atmosphere here...it is wild, packed, intense, friendly, and most importantly, it is pure expression of "soccer love".

Yesterday afternoon, I spent the day with my host in-laws, can you believe that my host in-laws (no that is a "family" hosting) and with joy and pride took me around Capetown. I went with them to run errands then they took me shopping - flea markets (like the "LA downtown alley" and I bought a naija soccer hat and scarf), wholesale (like Costco and a minimum of 4 items of the same - I bought some FIFA ladies scarves), and Edgars (like Macys' and I bought a Bafana Bafana hoodie and a nice jacket). To show my appreciation, I took my host, his family (wife and three children), his in-laws and their daughter to dinner at the Canal Walk Shopping Center (like Santa Monica Pier and we ate at Cattle Barron (high end of TGIF - I don't eat out much so I know I am doing justice to its description to TGIF). Where is the Wifey, when you need her? Alas, she did not come :)

We all came back home full of good food & drinks and sleepy to watch the FIFA concert because it was just too pack at the center. I tried to download personal pictures (don't ask because to personal pictures on blog - wifey rule) to facebook and videos to the web; the pictures went through but the video is too big so I need to compress them before I send (assignment for today because I am not entering that downtown (Uncles and Cousins are calling me from 9ja telling me to chill out and be careful).

As soon as I sent the pictures to facebook (FB), wifey texted me and suggested that I cut my hair and look clean...actual quote "...find a barber. These are once in a lifetime pics." FANS, can you believe this, I am over 20,000 miles from her and she is still thinks she is in charge (she suggests). Lord, have mercy! What we do in the name of love. Woman, just take care of the Twins and let no harm befall them.

After all that rant, I am going to the barber in about a hour (LOL). They left me to sleep in this morning so I am home alone. Thus, a chance to update the blog. My friend and host told me it is about R30 to clean up around here so I will go later to avoid future "suggestions" from the wifey.

I am going to go drink some tea and watch the Celtics and Lakers while I wait for them to come back and take me to the barber shop. I love you, Honey!

Until next time, please say a prayer for me.

Capetown Waterfront

FANS,

I was too exhausted to update our blog and primarily, my host family wanted to spend some quality time together as a family so I had no choice but to oblige them.

It is cold here (Ohio in February without the snow) because South Africa is in winter; however, Capetown is a harbour city so in winter it is frigid. I know, I know that some of the FANS are like whatever! you are in South Africa regardless. So I will proceed with my commentaries.

9ja is getting a run for its money because this country is a combination of 9ja and USA. Everything works and its affordable by "my" standards. I got me a South African phone number (Sorry for family only), a vuvuzela can you here me blowing it? FANS, it is loud and I am still learning how to do it like the "za peeps" but I am doing my thing.

I decided that since I am here in Capetown I might as well brace the weather and journey to Robben Island just for you FANS. With R200, I boarded the ferry to the island (don't worry I took some pictures and videos). It was awesome!!!

I got to the prison and I was ready to get all naijaman on the history of these atrocities. For you my FANS I had to collect myself and behave. Mandela and political prisoners are much more better person than I because I would have... Sorry I digress. At any rate, the experience was eye opening because the prison tour was by a former political prisoners and his stories were heartfelt.

Now let me see if I can upload some videos and pictures...going clockwise, Mandela's garden while in prison, Mandela's cell, Political Prisoners' working, Coastline of Capetown, cell for 40 Political Prisoners. Take care and until next time say a prayer for me!

Gloomy Capetown

FANS, my FANS,

My sincerest apologies for not updating the blog as promised. You see I hit some technical difficulties like dem dey say for Nigeria (pidgin english for my guys, I throw way salute o!). At any rate, I was out of commission for about 4 days due to travelling over my beloved country - people to see, food and drink to consume; however, I arrived in Capetown, South Africa at 8:00 a.m. local time this morning which is about 5 hours ago.

The past few days were hectic and let me tell you (espcially my wifey) all that running and jogging in our neighborhood and you never sweated "oil". These past days, I swear say na oil I dey sweat and I lost 5 pounds of it and maybe another 5 pounds of water - to illustrate my point, my one size too small clothes that I was convinced to buy per my beloved "twin" are now fitting just right. I guess I am a natural XL, who knew?

I have a lot to say but right now. I need to shut my eyes. Please remind of the Yellow fever story at J.Burg immigration; the fresh cat fish at "Blake" - it hit the spot, my mouth is still watering; the reactions I recieve when I tell people I am going to SA for soccer (ole boy, you no get stress O!); seeing my friends again after like 15 years...before I was a "Uniben jamb bite", I was a "Demonstration boy" - Knowlegde and service his our aim!!!

For real, gotta to close my eyes. Say a prayer for me until next time...I LOVE MY COUNTRY I NO GO LIE!!!

London Fever

I am on my way to the airport...The journey starts now....London here I come. Much love and take care.

Finally Lagerback names squad

FANS,

This is strictly for the "Green, White, & Green" (G.W.G) fanatics. Our Swedish coach has spoken and he sounds just his Naija counterparts. Why the Portsmouth boys? Why Kanu? I run faster than "Papilo"; I have a pot belly and a bad back so go figure! Well, I will be there to keep you guys updated and try to not be judgmental...right?

At any rate, here is the Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers

Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel)Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petach Tikvah, Israel)

Defenders

Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France),Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England),Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands),Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg, Austria),Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England)

Midfielders

Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany),Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain),Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England),John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England),Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia),Haruna Lukman (AS Monaco, France),Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine),Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Strikers

Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England),Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany), John Utaka(Portsmouth, England), Victor Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain)

Weekend shopping spree!!!

FANS,

I hate shopping so buying things for other people is a chore. I am tired and "maxed" out. Well, on the bright side I think I am done so I start packing my luggages tomorrow. I hope I don't remember another request...LOL

Please enjoy this song! This is the official song from a brother from Somali...Wave the Green, White, Green...my American FANS, I will let you wave the "star spangled banner" just this one time...ROTFLOL

A beautiful sad day!

FANS,

I am listening to this reggae jazz CD "Dean Plays Bob, Vol. 2" with some "vino" while trying to delve into reality. I am leaving my family for over a month and it is finally sinking in and I see it in their eyes - daddy's little girl is perturbed and Deuce is rolling with the punches; and I had to convince the wifey to leave the AMEX at home because her sideways look is terrifying - she might put a clamp on my trip :)

I finally invited my friends from work and Facebook to follow my journey through South Africa. I got a lot of encouragement from my co-workers. I guess it is on...I am up to the challenge, please leave vicariously through me!

Still new at this blogging thing

I guess the question should be can a FAN have fans?...I guess that is what I'm about to find out. At any rate, please bear with me while decipher and navigate this blog world. I am not a whiz nor am I geek (wifey might disagree on the geek level); however, I am willingly to learn.

My big sister just found me an appropriate photo for my blog profile. "Madam, the madam", way to go!!!

A week to go...

Fanatics (aka FANS), the time is near and the party is about to start. I have a flag of green, white, and green in one hand and a set of binoculars in the other. Yes, I love soccer, travelling, and sight-seeing and this trip will afford me the opportunity to experience all three at the same time.

My fellow soccer FANS, please follow me as I begin my trek to South Africa. God Bless!