NIGERIA LIFTED HER 1ST AFCON TITLE TODAY, 46 YEARS AGO 🇳🇬🏆_ BY ENIOLA OLATUNJI

Nostalgic moments by a sports journalist who saw it all.

On 22nd March 1980, exactly 46 years ago, I sat in the air-conditioned commentary box (broadcast section) as a rookie journalist covering the 12th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The tournament ran from 8th to 22nd March 1980 across two centres.

The atmosphere was electric as Nigeria, my country, lifted her maiden trophy. Mathematical Segun Odegbami scored a brace, while Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal added another to seal a 3–0 victory over Algeria. Truly nostalgic moments.

The doyen of radio commentary, Ishola Folorunsho—popularly known as “Itsss aa goaaal!”—led a team that included Ernest Okonkwo, Kelvin Ejiofor, and Tolu Fatoyinbo. At the time, I was not even qualified to be a stringer (a term for commentary assistants), as Uncle Yemi Fadipe was the lead stringer.

On television, Fabio Olanipekun led the commentary, assisted by Yinka Craig—who shares the same July 8 birthday with me—alongside Walter Oyatogun.

I earned my seat in the commentary box as a sports journalist with the then Nations Model Station, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC). That was a long time ago.

I can still vividly see Nigeria’s captain, Christian Chukwu—fondly called Chairman—lifting the trophy presented by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari. He had to set aside two of his props to perform the ceremony: a wooden clapper (an invention by Nigerian carpenters to amplify crowd support) and his packet of Benson & Hedges cigarettes.

The cover picture captures President Shagari presenting the trophy to Chairman Christian Chukwu on that historic day, 22nd March 1980.

Nigeria celebrated hosting the AFCON across two venues—the National Stadium, Lagos, and Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. One unforgettable highlight was the owambe spirit of Nigerians, as many of us bought aso ebi for the occasion. I even sewed a complete agbada.

Back then, I was known as Yomi Kassim on the official register of journalists compiled for AFCON by Ajibade Fashina Thomas (Jabby) and Babatunde Laguda (Abilags). Today, I am still on the sidelines—no longer with a microphone, but with my pen and paper.

As Eniola Olatunji, I am pleased to share this with you.

© ENIOLA OLATUNJI

Reporting At the Stadia for Patmos Media Line

- Nigeria