FIFA World Cup 2010: Continent Behind Ghana, But They Need a Change of Attitude

Every African, no matter where in the world, must be glad for Ghana's successful progress to the quarter final of the World cup. More so, because she is the only remaining flag-bearer for the continent.

Support in the stadiums was never going to be a problem for Ghana. South Africans have done the right and proper thing by getting behind the team after Bafana Bafana failed to qualify.

The large contingent of Nigerians and indeed of other Africans in South Africa is surely and solidly behind Ghana.

The Black Stars are living up to their name. We are all proud of them and hope and pray that they progress in the competition as far as possible. In fact, we pray that they win the cup.

Victory for Ghana is victory for the whole continent.

This is as it should be.

This overwhelming support should be a lesson for Ghana and should inspire a change of heart in their attitude.

We should naturally expect that Africans would support other African nations at international competition. Thus, when Cameroon played in the 1990 World Cup, the whole of Nigeria was behind them. There was no distinction. This wasn't just Cameroon playing, it was Africa playing.

But what a surprise it was for me to hear that this is not assumed in Ghana. That, in fact, Ghanaians have been known to rejoice at Nigeria's defeat at international competitions where Nigeria had represented Africa. I heard that they rejoiced when Italy stopped Nigeria in the second round of the '94 World Cup.

Rivalry is understandable. But to rejoice at the failure of a nation representing the whole continent goes beyond the pale. It is unacceptable.

Nigerians are rejoicing for Ghana. We wish you well, and we will be praying that you carry the torch further in the competition. Let this inspire you to do the same for other African countries in the future.

The farther you go in the competition, the more foreign nations would be silenced. They have begun gloating at the failure of the other five representatives. Go on with the wind in your sail and prove them wrong.

Your are the Black Stars. You are our pride.

United we stand, but divided we fall.