By Edwin Aluka
“It is a goal! It is a goal!
Nigeria has scored!”
If you were a football fan in Nigeria during the 1970s and 1980s, these words would send chills down your spine. They were the words of Ernest Okonkwo, the man whose voice brought football matches to life.
His commentary was not just
about describing the game; it was an art form, a symphony of words that made
listeners feel like they were right there in the stadium, even if they were
miles away.
Ernest Okonkwo was more than a
commentator; he was a legend. He was born in 1936 in Nando, Anambra East LGA, Anambra State, he grew up to
become the most iconic voice in Nigerian sports history. His golden voice,
witty expressions, and deep love for football made him a household name. He
didn’t just talk about football; he made it magical.
The Man Behind the Microphone
Ernest Okonkwo’s journey began
in 1957 when he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as a program
assistant. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to become the first
manager of sports and outside broadcasts. He was trained at the Australian
Broadcasting Commission, where he honed his skills and developed his unique
style.
What set Okonkwo apart was his ability to paint pictures with words. He didn’t just describe the game; he brought it to life. His commentary was filled with vivid descriptions, clever nicknames, and a passion that was contagious. He gave players names that stuck forever, like “Mathematical Segun Odegbami,” “Chairman Christian Chukwu,” and “Dean of Defence Yisa Sofoluwe.” These names weren’t just catchy; they captured the essence of the players’ skills and personalities.
He Made Football
Magical
Ernest Okonkwo’s influence
extended far beyond the football pitch. He was a cultural icon, a man whose
voice became a part of Nigeria’s collective memory. His commentaries were not
just about football; they were about life, passion, and the human spirit.
He had a unique ability to connect with his audience. Whether you were a die-hard football fan or a casual listener, Okonkwo’s commentary had a way of drawing you in. His words were filled with energy, excitement, and a deep love for the game.
The Art of Storytelling
Okonkwo’s commentaries were more than just play-by-play descriptions; they were stories. He had a way of weaving narratives that made listeners feel like they were part of the action. His descriptions were so vivid that you could almost see the players running across the field, hear the roar of the crowd, and feel the tension in the air.
The Magic of His Commentary
Okonkwo’s commentary was like a
rollercoaster ride. He could make even the most boring game exciting. His voice
rose and fell with the action on the field, and his words flowed like poetry.
He had a way of making listeners feel every pass, every tackle, and every goal.
One of his most famous
commentaries was during a match between Nigeria and Tunisia in 1977. When
Nigerian defender Godwin Odiye accidentally scored an own goal, Okonkwo
famously exclaimed, “Nigeria has scored Nigeria!” It was a
moment of heartbreak for fans, but Okonkwo’s words turned it into a moment of
humor and resilience.
Another unforgettable moment
was when he described a play involving several Nigerian stars: “Iron
Gate Emmanuel Okala throws the ball to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu. Chukwu taps
the ball to the ‘Dean of Defence’ Yisa Sofoluwe; Sofoluwe sends a telegraphic
pass to ‘Midfield Maestro’ Mudashiru Lawal. Muda Lawal dribbles two defenders
and sends the ball to ‘Mathematical’ Segun Odegbami.”
Another memorable commentary
was during a match between Rangers of Enugu and Raccah Rovers of Kano in 1979.
He described a play where a player beat three defenders in a row, all named
Christian. Okonkwo quipped, “He beats Christian Chukwu; he beats Christian
Madu; he beats Christian Nwokocha. He beats three Christians in a row! Who is
this man? He must be a Muslim. Oh! It’s Shefiu Mohammed sending a diagonal pass
to Baba Otu Mohammed.”
This
kind of wit and creativity made Okonkwo’s commentaries unforgettable. He didn’t
just describe the game; he made it come alive.
This wasn’t just commentary; it
was storytelling. Okonkwo made listeners feel the rhythm of the game, the skill
of the players, and the excitement of the moment.
A Master of Words
Ernest Okonkwo was a wordsmith.
He had a way with words that made his commentaries unforgettable. He used metaphors,
euphemisms, and adjectives to create vivid images in the minds of his
listeners. For example, he once described a powerful shot as an
“Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.” This phrase not only captured the
strength of the shot but also added a dramatic flair to the moment.
His ability to coin nicknames
was legendary. He didn’t just give players names; he gave them identities.
Segun Odegbami became “Mathematical” because of his precise and calculated
playing style. Christian Chukwu was called “Chairman” for his leadership on the
field. Emmanuel Okala was “Tallest” because of his towering height. These names
became part of Nigerian football folklore and are still used today.
The Power of Radio
In an era before television
became widespread, radio was the primary medium for sports commentary. Ernest
Okonkwo mastered the art of radio commentary, using his voice to create a
visual experience for his listeners. People would gather around their radios,
hanging on to every word he said. Some fans even brought transistor radios to
the stadium to listen to his commentary while watching the game live.
His voice was so captivating
that many preferred to mute their television commentators and listen to
Okonkwo’s radio commentary instead. This was a testament to his skill and the
deep connection he had with his audience.
A National Treasure
Ernest Okonkwo was more than a
commentator; he was a national treasure. His voice became synonymous with
Nigerian football, and his commentaries were a source of pride for the nation.
He covered some of the most iconic moments in Nigerian football history,
including the Green Eagles’ victories in the Africa Cup of Nations and the
Olympic Games.
His passion for Nigerian
football was evident in every word he spoke. Whether celebrating a victory or
lamenting a defeat, Okonkwo’s voice carried the emotions of the fans. He was
not just a commentator; he was a fan, and his love for the game shone through
in his work.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Ernest Okonkwo’s impact went
beyond the microphone. He inspired a generation of sports commentators and
brought joy to millions of football fans. His passion for the game was
unmatched, and his dedication to his craft was unwavering. He didn’t just
commentate; he celebrated Nigerian football and its heroes.
Even today, his legacy lives
on. The nicknames he gave players are still used, and his iconic commentaries
are remembered with fondness. He was a pioneer who set the standard for sports
commentary in Nigeria and beyond.
A Voice That United a Nation
In a country as diverse as
Nigeria, Ernest Okonkwo’s voice was a unifying force. His commentaries brought
people together, transcending ethnic, religious, and cultural differences.
Whether you were in Lagos, Kano, or Enugu, Okonkwo’s voice was a constant
presence, a source of joy and inspiration.
His passion for Nigerian
football was infectious. He celebrated the successes of the national team and
mourned their defeats. His voice carried the hopes and dreams of a nation, and
his words became a part of Nigeria’s football history.
A Life Well Lived
Ernest Okonkwo passed away on
August 7, 1990, but his voice continues to echo in the hearts of those who
heard him. He was a man who loved his job, his country, and the beautiful game
of football. His life reminds us that with passion, hard work, and creativity,
we can leave a lasting impact on the world.
A Lasting Legacy
Ernest Okonkwo’s legacy is one
of passion, excellence, and creativity. He set the standard for sports
commentary in Nigeria and inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps.
His voice may be gone, but his impact lives on.
Today, as we remember Ernest
Okonkwo, let us celebrate the man who made football magical. Let us honor his
memory by continuing to share his stories, his passion, and his love for the
game.
“It is a goal! It is a goal!
Nigeria has scored!” These words will forever remind us of the
golden voice that brought football to life. Thank you, Ernest Okonkwo, for the
memories, the laughter, and the inspiration.
As we remember Ernest Okonkwo,
let us celebrate his life, his legacy, and the joy he brought to millions. He
was more than a commentator; he was a national treasure.
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