This episode of Adesoji Speaks Knowledge focuses on the African Cup of Nations (AFKON) and the importance of remembering the football ancestors who have contributed to the tournament.
The host, Adesoji Iginla shares personal memories of AFCON and highlights the growth of the competition over the years. The tragic plane crash of the 1993 Zambian national team is discussed, along with the team's redemption and tribute in later years.
The episode concludes with a call to honor and remember all fallen African football giants.
This episode of Adesoji Speaks Knowledge focuses on the African Cup of Nations (AFKON) and the importance of remembering the football ancestors who have contributed to the tournament.
The host, Adesoji Iginla shares personal memories of AFCON and highlights the growth of the competition over the years. The tragic plane crash of the 1993 Zambian national team is discussed, along with the team's redemption and tribute in later years.
The episode concludes with a call to honor and remember all fallen African football giants.
Adesoji Iginla (00:49.998)
Yes, hello and welcome to Adesoji Speaks. And this is the podcast where I talk about all matters and thoughts with regard to the African continent. This, on this episode, I wish to speak to a matter that is currently before us.
And that is related to the question of AFCON. For the first time, for those who have heard the word the first time, it would be a question of what is AFCON? Well, AFCON is an acronym for the African Cup of Nations. And it's currently ongoing in Cote d 'Ivoire, which is a country on the west coast of Africa.
It's been a two week fest of football Bonanza, both on the field and off the field.
But more importantly, this episode is about a very sensitive topic, which is remembering the Afcon ancestors. Why this episode? Well, I hope this episode of Adesoji Speaks Knowledge will help spark a conversation around the welfare and the remembrance of those who previously gave us such.
wonderful memories on the field of play. And it's not far -fetched to think that this competition that started on February 10, 1957, following the actions of four countries, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Africa.
Adesoji Iginla (02:53.902)
would lay the foundation for a competition that is now celebrated the world over, more importantly in the continent of Africa. A bit history therefore is necessary. AFCON is a bi -annual competition.
Adesoji Iginla (03:16.014)
Which brings together the talents and shall we say the exuberance of fans on the stands or in the stands shall I say?
Adesoji Iginla (03:34.382)
Again, started the 10th of February 1957 in Sudan. Of the four pioneering members, only three took part in the inaugural competition, the three being Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. For South Africa would be barred from joining the Fest because they refuse, in line with the apartheid policy of not sending a multiracial team to the competition.
Fast forward.
We're now from three teams in 1957. The competition has grown steadily to a situation where now we have 24 teams competing in the competition.
24 teams, 24 different styles, 24 different sets of fans.
And every time these players take the field of play, we're not but enamoured about what they bring to the football pitch. Because not only do they bring an exuberance, they also bring, how shall I put it? They also bring something uniquely, something unique to their...
Adesoji Iginla (05:09.196)
area of exp - area that is the region within the continent.
If a friend, if a team in West Africa turns up, you know the flair is there, they...
the when a team from North Africa turns up they bring in all the street craft and what have you and it is just a joy to watch it is a joy to watch so this episode particularly is about highlighting some of those players who have given us those memories because I feel for some reason we seem to have forgotten and I can't possibly put it
down to the reason why we will do so. I know it's not a lack of pride in African football in history. I am, however, thinking along the lines of our lack of record keeping because in researching for this particular program,
I struggle to find tapes of what has gone before in order to record.
Adesoji Iginla (06:26.638)
the antics of these players.
But again, you know, we're talking memories now. So it's probably important that I share what my first memory Nwosu. My first memory of the competition was the 1984 tournament, coincidentally hosted in Cote d 'Ivoire. Highlights of which was the first game involving Nigeria and its perennial arch rival, Ghana. The game would, you know, end. At that time, we still had a decent team.
(Our) being Nigeria the game will end two goals to one with goals from Henry Nwosu and Chibuzor Ehilegbu Ghana would get one back through Sam Poku I mean the the next match again I remember it was all sweat because we played against the Malawi national team.
Dare I say it ended 2 -2 draw and with goals again by Clement Temile Those who are probably watching now probably like who's that? But again, this is all what we're talking about. Nigeria will end up in the final but would lose again to another one of its arch nemesis in the body of Cameroon.
Adesoji Iginla (08:02.03)
by 1 goal to 3. Again, you know, yes we lost but you still remember.
Adesoji Iginla (08:12.334)
Speaking of memories, you know, my best tournament, in my opinion that is, remained Maroc 88. Why Maroc 88? Wow. Every game there was a football bonanza. Be it in the 1 -1 draw between Cote d 'Ivoire and Zaire, with goals from Abdoulaye Traore and.Kabongo Ngoy..
the bullet shot from Kabongo Ngoy or the first group game between Nigeria and Cameroon, which ended in a 1 -1 draw, especially with the bullet from the bullet go from Sam Okwaraji, one of the ancestors we shall highlight in the course of this program. And then how can I possibly forget? How can I possibly forget that
crazy semi -final between Nigeria and Algeria. That professional foul which ultimately leveled up the teams and ended up in 22 penalty kicks. Yes, 22 penalty kicks. That game was, you know, ultimately, Nigeria gets to the final again.
There I say yes, if it's Nemesis again, Cameroon lost 1 -0 this time. Suppose we are getting better. But I need to mention the fact that Nigeria also had a disallowed goal in that final, which I consider was a goal from Herringworth with header. But...
I mean, some of the conspiracy theories was the fact that Isa Hayatu, himself a Cameroonian, was watching the game.
Adesoji Iginla (10:16.494)
But you know, shenanigans aside, the competition has given us the likes of Austin JJ Okocha, as some people will say. He was so good, he had to be named twice. Abedi Pele, the Ghanaian maestro. Yusuf Ofana from Cote d 'Ivoire. Rabamaja from Algeria. Mustafa Haji.
from Morocco, like that Bellumi.
from Algeria. Roger Miller from Cameroon. Titi Kamara of Guinea. Oh my God, the names, the names. These are, these are legends. Lucas Radebi of South Africa. I could keep on going.
Adesoji Iginla (11:12.302)
You know, Siro Makanaki of Cameroon.
Adesoji Iginla (11:18.798)
Thomas and Kono.
Adesoji Iginla (11:22.926)
of Cameron. Kabongo ungoe.
Adesoji Iginla (11:28.43)
from Zaire, now renamed Democratic Republic of Congo, Kalusha Bluaya of Zambia.
the Hassan brothers of Egypt, Antoine Bell, Cameroon's Antoine Bale. Cameroon was so good, they had two brilliant goalkeepers, Anthony Yeboah, where Leeds fans in England would remember him.
Adesoji Iginla (12:08.398)
George Weah, yes. Former Liberian president George Weah, yes, did play football. Was one of the world's best. In fact, at some time he was considered the best player in the world. Ibrahim Ba of Sierra Leone. Emmanuel Amuneke, who would go on to coach the under 17 and under 20 team and also the Tanzania national team.
To name a few, to name a few, these players gave us memories. They gave the African football game a whole different flavor.
Adesoji Iginla (12:57.422)
And yes, some people will hear the passion in my voice.
because watching these guys they did what experts, football experts will say, African football experts will say anytime the tournament comes around the tactical element of the game goes on holiday.
because it was tricks, flares, movements, oh my god. I mean if you watch any of the games at the moment you would see a semblance of that.
Adesoji Iginla (13:42.734)
But what was also very important was that Afgan afforded the continent the chance to constantly renew the friendship, friendship, unity and solidarity amongst the people.
Adesoji Iginla (14:01.998)
And we should not forget that.
So it is important that we remember.
our football ancestors. I repeat, it is important that we remember our football assist -
for they gave us cherished.
football memories on the African stage.
Adesoji Iginla (14:37.102)
And it's important that we remember, do that, they now work.
Adesoji Iginla (14:45.006)
with our other ancestors, other African ancestors, they are never forgotten. For they left behind a legacy of joy and inspiration.
Adesoji Iginla (15:04.59)
So today I want to celebrate some of these fallen heroes.
Adesoji Iginla (15:14.222)
who gave their all not just for their country, but for the beautiful game in Africa.
Adesoji Iginla (15:24.462)
I wish to honor their memories and celebrate their achievements.
Adesoji Iginla (15:34.382)
but also to reflect on their contribution.
to African football.
Adesoji Iginla (15:50.222)
Well, football is often considered a team sport.
Adesoji Iginla (15:59.466)
nowhere was this element of the game more embodied.
Adesoji Iginla (16:12.43)
Bye.
the unfortunate tragedy.
Adesoji Iginla (16:21.006)
that happened.
Adesoji Iginla (16:27.64)
Heartbreaking tragedy, that is. In the history.
Adesoji Iginla (16:37.486)
of African football.
Adesoji Iginla (16:41.966)
with the 1993 airplane crash.
Adesoji Iginla (16:49.934)
of the entire Zambia national team.
Adesoji Iginla (17:01.326)
Even the recapping is painful to bear because when the news broke everybody was in shock.
Adesoji Iginla (17:11.694)
I remember that day on the evening of April 27 1993.
Adesoji Iginla (17:21.23)
when it was reported that a Zambian Air Force plane carrying the Zambian national football team, known as the Chipolopolo
or the copper bullets.
had crashed.
into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after taking off from Libreville, Gabon, on its way for a World Cup qualifier in Senegal.
Adesoji Iginla (17:59.79)
When the news broke.
People were.
Adesoji Iginla (18:07.566)
People hoped that there will be survivors. All that so as our.
Adesoji Iginla (18:18.924)
It was a minor mishap.
Adesoji Iginla (18:24.142)
But later it will be confirmed that all 25 passengers and five crew members.
were killed.
Adesoji Iginla (18:40.366)
the Chipolopolo.
Adesoji Iginla (18:46.35)
were a very promising team.
Adesoji Iginla (18:52.302)
who had impressed the African continent at the 1990 AFCON African Cup of Nations that is, where they had finished third.
Adesoji Iginla (19:09.998)
The team at the time was led by their star player, Kalusha Bwalya.
also who also happened to have been voted 1998 African footballer of the year.
Adesoji Iginla (19:33.742)
Kalusha Buaya was not on the plane as he was still playing for his club PSV Eindhoven in Netherlands at the time and had promised to join his team in Senegal once his game with PSV was over.
Adesoji Iginla (20:06.22)
The plane crash was a JOLT.
Adesoji Iginla (20:14.926)
and a terrible loss. Not just for Zambia.
Adesoji Iginla (20:21.006)
but for the whole African continent.
Adesoji Iginla (20:25.934)
because following...
Adesoji Iginla (20:31.502)
the announcements.
the entire African continent. Mond.
Adesoji Iginla (20:41.294)
this footballing heroes with Zambia.
Adesoji Iginla (20:53.358)
The African football community also came together to express their solidarity.
Adesoji Iginla (21:05.452)
and condolences.
Adesoji Iginla (21:12.814)
They also offer their support materially financially to the Zambian Football Association.
Adesoji Iginla (21:25.646)
However, what was beautiful about the Zambian football spirit.
was that it did not die with a crash.
Adesoji Iginla (21:44.494)
The country quickly rebuilt a team.
with Kalusha Bwalya as leader.
Adesoji Iginla (21:59.918)
and also
who did volunteer the help.
Adesoji Iginla (22:08.206)
of Ronald Paulson.
Adesoji Iginla (22:17.518)
who volunteered to help take charge of the team's training and what have you.
Adesoji Iginla (22:31.662)
Like the rising sun.
The new Chipol Polo.
defied all odds and expectation.
and not only qualified for the 1994 AFCON held in Tunisia but would reach the final narrowly losing 1 -2 to Nigeria.
Adesoji Iginla (23:09.39)
that resilient display and determination in the 1994 Afkon tournaments.
Adesoji Iginla (23:20.198)
stir the hearts and gain them the admiration.
Adesoji Iginla (23:29.056)
of many observers and fans across the world.
Adesoji Iginla (23:38.478)
They in turn dedicated their campaign to their fallen heroes.
Adesoji Iginla (23:48.918)
citing the fact that their performance was inspired by those who have sacrificed everything.
again football.
in Africa would show itself not to be just about what was happening on the beach, but more importantly, of it.
Adesoji Iginla (24:24.952)
However...
19 years later.
That is 2012.
Adesoji Iginla (24:38.414)
Zambia will finally achieve their dream of winning the African Cup of Nations.
in a remarkable and symbolic way.
One, they will defeat Côte d 'Ivoire in the final.
held in Libreville, Gabon.
The same city, yes, the same city where the plane crash had occurred 19 years prior.
Adesoji Iginla (25:15.022)
It gets even better.
The trophy was won on the 12th of February, 2012.
12th of February being the bad day of their late coach.
Godfrey Chitalo.
who was amongst the victims of the crash.
Adesoji Iginla (25:46.348)
One wonders why.
movie has not been made of this. i probably could probably be out there.
Adesoji Iginla (25:59.468)
The Zambian players and fans dedicated their victory to the 1993 team.
Adesoji Iginla (26:09.656)
Celebrating with tears of joy.
They will also visit.
Adesoji Iginla (26:20.91)
the crash site, to lay reefs and pray for the souls of their departed comrades.
Adesoji Iginla (26:34.19)
Again, as we say, as the day rises...
Adesoji Iginla (26:43.15)
The sun also sets.
Adesoji Iginla (26:48.686)
The victory in Gabon represents the sun sets, a moment of closure and redemption.
for Zambian football.
and a fitting tribute to the legacy of the 1993 team.
Adesoji Iginla (27:12.91)
And so in line with this program.
Adesoji Iginla (27:20.302)
The story of the 1993 Zambian national team. Although tragic.
Adesoji Iginla (27:35.47)
is one of true inspiration in the history of African football.
Adesoji Iginla (27:46.702)
It teaches us.
Adesoji Iginla (27:51.118)
to cherish our loved ones.
Adesoji Iginla (27:58.414)
and to always honor the memories of those who have gone before.
Adesoji Iginla (28:15.406)
May their soul rest in perfect peace.
Adesoji Iginla (28:22.862)
It is in this spirit of remembrance that I also wish...
Adesoji Iginla (28:32.206)
to speak out the names of the following footballing giants and to say adukwe. Thank you in Yoruba.
Adesoji Iginla (28:51.342)
The names should echo in history.
Adesoji Iginla (28:57.976)
Let's begin. Mark, Vivian, Foe
Adesoji Iginla (29:05.356)
Albert Ebosse
Adesoji Iginla (29:10.542)
Chieck Tiote
Stephen Keshi
Adesoji Iginla (29:19.21)
Samuel Okwaraji.
Adesoji Iginla (29:24.942)
Mudashiru Lawal
Adesoji Iginla (29:33.536)
Lauren Pokou
Adesoji Iginla (29:43.918)
Chaswa Nsofwa
Adesoji Iginla (29:50.316)
Uche Okafor
Adesoji Iginla (29:59.694)
Papa Bouba Diop
Adesoji Iginla (30:08.438)
Salif Keita.
Adesoji Iginla (30:15.886)
Thomas Olia.
Adesoji Iginla (30:28.172)
Naby Laye Camara
Adesoji Iginla (30:34.766)
George Chigora
Adesoji Iginla (30:39.534)
Thompson Oliha
Adesoji Iginla (30:44.846)
George Tigora.
Adesoji Iginla (30:49.708)
Theophile Abega
Adesoji Iginla (30:55.308)
Jules Bocande
Adesoji Iginla (30:59.694)
Ben Idrissa Derme
Adesoji Iginla (31:07.424)
Raphael Dwamena
Adesoji Iginla (31:15.31)
And last but not the least, Rashidi Yekini
Adesoji Iginla (31:25.614)
What I would ask everyone to do is also to add more names to the lists.
so that we keep growing this list.
Adesoji Iginla (31:37.806)
Again, may their souls rest in perfect peace and may their legacy continue to live on.
Adesoji Iginla (31:51.79)
Hopefully this conversation of celebrating.
Commemorating, remembering. That's the key word here, remembering. And celebrating the lives and achievements.
Adesoji Iginla (32:16.43)
of not just these fallen African football giants.
Adesoji Iginla (32:26.67)
but those that are still here, let us pause to reflect on the welfare of those still around.
Adesoji Iginla (32:42.478)
Let us give them their flowers while they can still smell it.
Adesoji Iginla (32:52.27)
so we don't just celebrate them when they die.
Adesoji Iginla (32:58.638)
or celebrate them.
Adesoji Iginla (33:06.766)
Well, this is just some of the footballers that have lost their lives in relation to AFCON
Adesoji Iginla (33:17.358)
I am sure.
There are many more who have died due to accidents, illness.
in what in some cases, violence?
Adesoji Iginla (33:37.166)
I say.
They are all remembered and honoured by the African football family.
Adesoji Iginla (33:52.366)
and their contribution.
to the beautiful game in Africa are never forgotten.
Adesoji Iginla (34:08.928)
Finally.
Adesoji Iginla (34:14.862)
I would say.
Adesoji Iginla (34:24.942)
Thank you for listening.
This is Adesoji and this has been Adesoji Speaks Knowledge.
Thank you for listening and I'll see you next time. Stay safe and stay blessed.